The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has dedicated this year’s commemoration of women who served in World War I and World War II to people across the world who continue to stand together against forces of hatred and oppression.
She joined High Commissioners, representatives of the armed forces, veterans, faith leaders and members of the public at the Memorial Gates in London to reflect on the shared sacrifices that helped shape the modern world.
This year’s theme, “Women in War,” recognises the courage, resilience and leadership of women whose service during the world wars has often remained under-acknowledged in public memory.
During the wreath-laying ceremony, the contribution of women such as Noor Inayat Khan was highlighted. From resistance networks in occupied Europe to military hospitals in South Asia, and from the Auxiliary Territorial Service to civil defence organisations across Africa and the Caribbean, women played vital roles in intelligence, communications, nursing, logistics and frontline support.
Their efforts strengthened Allied operations and sustained communities during periods of extraordinary strain, helping to maintain both military and civilian resilience during the wars.
Ms Botchwey noted that the sacrifices of these women form a foundational pillar of partnership among Commonwealth nations, expressing hope that the values of courage, solidarity and service would continue to guide future generations.
“This year, we remember in a special way the women of the Commonwealth who served. For every Noor Inayat Khan whose story we can tell, there are countless others whose names we do not know. In doing so, they bound our nations together in shared sacrifice.”
“Their example lives on in the quiet determination of nations that continue to choose partnership over division. May we be worthy of that inheritance. May the flame entrusted to us, that precious flame of liberty, solidarity and peace, burn brightly for generations to come.” she said
The ceremony also honoured women such as Margaret MacDonald, Constance Mark, Vivian Bullwinkel, Comfort Adeoye, Indira Sinha, and Begum Pasha Shah, whose leadership, medical service and mobilisation efforts formed part of the broader Commonwealth war contribution.
As part of the commemoration, the has introduced an educational programme titled “Women in War,” aimed at ensuring that a new generation understands the full breadth of Commonwealth service and the central role women played within it.
Through remembrance and education, the Memorial Gates continue to honour the more than five million men and women from the Indian subcontinent, Africa and the Caribbean who volunteered during the world wars, while recognising the enduring contribution of their descendants to British society today.
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