GLOBAL YOGA CALL - INTERNATIONAL DAY OF WOMEN AND GIRLS OF AFRICAN DESCENT

Date: July 25, 2025

Format: Online via Zoom | Global Participation
Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/p/DMX0sNEsbP0/

Purpose of the Event

To commemorate the International Day of Women and Girls of African Descent, the International Yoga Federation (IYF) organized a Global Yoga Call that brought together participants from diverse countries to share a moment of healing, empowerment, and solidarity through yoga.

The session was designed not only as a physical practice but also as a collective affirmation of dignity, visibility, and peace for African women and girls across the globe.

This initiative aligns with United Nations values and SDG principles, especially:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Key Themes & Messaging

• Healing through Movement: Yoga as a means of emotional and bodily restoration

• Visibility and Dignity: Acknowledging the unique experiences of women and girls of African descent

• Global Sisterhood: Building bridges across regions through shared breath and mindful presence

Core campaign message:
“Come as you are. Breathe. Move. Honor.”

Engagement & Participation

• Time: 15:00 UTC

• Platform: Zoom (free & open to the public)

• Participants: Yoga practitioners, instructors, educators, and youth leaders from Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas

  • Social Media Interaction:

    • Participants were invited to share reflections and yoga poses with campaign hashtags:

      • #YogaForBlackGirls

      • #IYFforAfrica

      • #GlobalYogaForJustice

  • Registration Form: https://forms.gle/Dbo27YUhW9jyLZHR7

  This event supported United Nations observance goals by:

  • Highlighting the importance of culturally responsive health practices

  • Promoting gender- and race-sensitive approaches to wellness

  • Encouraging participation of underrepresented communities in global wellness dialogues

  Outcomes & Impact

  • Participants from 12+ countries joined the live session

  • Dozens of social media shares with campaign hashtags

  • Positive feedback from African diaspora instructors and community leaders

  • Strengthened visibility of yoga as an inclusive practice accessible to all identities

  Next Steps

   

  • Follow-up engagement with African yoga leaders to develop year-round initiatives

  • Exploration of partnerships with grassroots organizations focusing on African women’s health and empowerment

  • Continued thematic Global Yoga Calls aligned with other international days recognized by the UN