Ethiopia has made significant efforts and shown a strong commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment. Predominantly by aligning its national policies and strategies with regional and international conventions designed to ensure women’s rights, it has been implementing a range of initiatives aimed at promoting women’s equal participation and benefits, including the creation of legal frameworks that support gender parity in education, employment, and political representation.
Mainly, over the past five years, following the political reform undertaken throughout the country, the participation of women in the social, political, and economic spheres of the country has increased significantly. The government, recognizing the irreplaceable role every woman can play in the political landscape of the country, has appointed several competent women in key positions across various sectors. This is especially true in the area of diplomacy, where opportunities for women were once hardly possible.
As a result, these appointed women – politicians, diplomats, civil servants, and others – are demonstrating their potential by effectively discharging the responsibilities assigned to them by the government and the people.
Recently, in connection with the celebration of the International Women’s Day (March 8) Foreign Affairs State Minister, Amb. Birtukan Ayano, reaffirmed government’s commitment and dedication to ensure women participation in the leadership circle and, it is paving the way to women to serve in key positions in the diplomacy field.
Birtukan stressed that Ethiopia has reaffirms its commitment to empower women and ensure their socio-economic and political rights. “In this respect, Ethiopia is exemplary in integrating and implementing international treaties, protocols and conventions that are meant to empower women in various socio-economic and political dimensions.
According to her, Ethiopia is a model country in integrating and implementing international treaties, protocols and conventions to empower women in various socio-economic and political dimensions. “Ethiopia`s dedication is reflected in the country`s readiness in adopting several key international agreements, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the African Charter on Human and People`s Rights.” She noted.
Amb. Birtukan also said that Ethiopia has made notable progress in increasing women`s representation over the last six years of the reform period including in the field of diplomacy. The appointment of women to high-ranking political positions in the different government’s rankings, including legislative, executive and judiciary, reflects country’s commitment to an inclusive political system.
“For instance, 41 percent of the parliament members and 50 percent of cabinet members, which may vary sometimes, are occupied by women politicians, showing practical improvements in empowering women into key political positions of the country,” she added.
According to her, as part of its commitment to ensure women`s empowerment in the area of diplomacy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will work persistently to equip women diplomats with the required skills and knowledge that are instrumental for effective negotiation and representation in the international arenas.
The State Minister also stated the challenges women encounter not to realize their full potential, despite the progress witnessed so far. Thus, she emphasized the importance of collaborative approach to enable women capitalize on their skills and knowledge; address the challenges that hinder women from exercising their rights and ensure their rights in all spheres.
Indeed, empowerment of women is a transformative force that plays a crucial role in political, social, economic, and diplomatic arenas. Politically, when women are empowered to take on leadership roles, they contribute not only to gender-balanced decision-making but also to the creation of policies that reflect the needs and aspirations of entire communities.
As witnessed from the contemporary Ethiopian case women politicians, civil servants, entrepreneurs, athletes, pilots, medical practitioners, teachers and others are contributing their best to ensure Ethiopia`s prosperity. At the same time, the active involvement of women in the political and diplomatic spheres has an impressive, positive impact on the nation. This is due to the fact that women are naturally endowed with the capacity to handle difficult situations with wisdom, in addition to their proficiency.
Several researches are indicating that women’s participation in governance leads to more inclusive and representative policies, promoting social justice and equity. Empowering women in politics encourages diverse perspectives, ensuring that issues such as healthcare, education, and social welfare are addressed comprehensively, ultimately enhancing the fabric of democracy.
In the social realm, women’s empowerment fosters community resilience and progress. When women are given equal access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, they become catalysts for change within their families and communities. Educated women are more likely to invest in their children’s well-being and education, breaking the cycle of poverty and contributing to healthier, more educated future generations.
Moreover, empowered women often become advocates for social change, championing causes such as gender equality, human rights, and community development. Their voices in social movements lead to collective action that can challenge systemic inequalities, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose in society.
Economically, the empowerment of women is vital for sustainable development. When women are economically empowered, they can contribute significantly to national growth and stability. Their participation in the workforce not only boosts household incomes but also enhances productivity and innovation within industries.
Furthermore, women bring a unique perspective to negotiation and diplomacy, often excelling in collaborative strategies and conflict resolution. Their innate capacity for empathy allows them to approach problems from multiple angles, fostering understanding and cooperation in environments where traditional methods may falter. This capability becomes particularly valuable in diplomatic negotiations, where nuanced perspectives can pave the way for more effective and lasting agreements.
In conclusion, empowering women is essential for progress across all sectors of society. By integrating women into political, social, economic, and diplomatic spheres, Ethiopia harnesses its diverse insights and strengths, ultimately leading to more holistic and sustainable solutions for national challenges.
The unique qualities that women bring to negotiations and leadership—empathy, resilience, and a multifaceted worldview—are invaluable assets in paving the way for effective diplomacy and peace-building in Ethiopia. As the nation continues to advocate for women’s rights and empowerment, it is clear that unlocking the potential of women is not only a matter of social justice but also a strategic imperative for nurturing prosperous and equitable societies worldwide. The journey towards gender equality is necessary for inclusive growth and society as a whole stands to benefit from embracing the full participation of women in all areas of life.
BY LEULSEGED WORKU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 13 MARCH 2025
