The African Music Awards (AFRIMA) says the coronavirus pandemic has demonstrated the underlying structural gender gaps that are still existing in the society.

Africa joins the rest of the world on Monday to mark this year’s edition of the International Women’s Day (IWD) aimed at celebrating women and championing an even society.

In a statement to commemorate the event, AFRIMA said the role played by various women groups in fighting the pandemic has shown the need to have them in key decision-making processes

“IWD 2021 turns the spotlight on the tremendous efforts by women and girls around the world in creating and sustaining the fight against COVID-19, their roles in shaping an equal future in the recovery from the pandemic, while highlighting the underlying structural gender gaps that still exist,” it read.

“COVID-19 struck the world in December 2019 and distorted the dynamics of human relations. The pandemic revealed the institutional gaps in society and amplified the need to create systems, safe spaces and opportunities for women, and also brought to fore the increasing importance of women representation in decision-making processes across all levels.”

Commenting on the event, Mike Dada, AFRIMA’s president and executive producer, reiterated the body’s commitment to promoting gender equality in Africa and ending violence against women.

“The IWD 2021 #ChoosetoChallenge campaign is complementary to one of our awards objective of retelling the story of Africa from the perspective of our unique cultural heritage and creativity. AFRIMA emphasizes the importance of fair representation and women constitute an integral and important part of that. The fight for equality is our fight, and everyone’s fight,” he said.

Dada added that AFRIMA understands the importance of representation in Africa’s music and culture industry and has continued to take several initiatives aimed at promoting such.