ADDIS ABABA – The Addis Ababa City Administration Bureau of Women, Children and Social Affairs has underscored the critical role of media professionals in ensuring women’s economic, social, and political participation.
During a discussion and awareness forum organized by the Bureau, Advisor Tadele Demeko (PhD) highlighted that the media plays an instrumental role in promoting women’s active involvement and ensuring they reap the full benefits of economic, political, and social opportunities.
He emphasized that media professionals have a responsibility to challenge and dismantle long-standing societal misconceptions about women. The Bureau has been actively working to shift these outdated narratives and foster a more inclusive perspective.
“Media has the power to either build or break a nation. Therefore, media houses must be conscious of their influence on society. Beyond correcting misconceptions, they should also prioritize awareness programs that promote women’s holistic benefits,” he stated.
Tadele also pointed out that as the third-largest diplomatic hub, Addis Ababa hosts numerous international events and is currently led by a woman mayor. However, he stressed that achieving meaningful participation and benefits for women remains a priority.
Highlighting the Bureau’s efforts, he noted that over the past six months, more than 142,000 jobs have been created, with women securing over 52% of these opportunities. The Bureau continues to implement various human-centered initiatives to further empower women.
The Bureau Women’s Participation, Empowerment, and Beneficiaries Director Seferash Alemaw echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for women’s engagement at all levels. She stated that the media has a dual responsibility—to inform the public and to actively promote women’s contributions to holistic national economic growth.She further noted that the Bureau has established a “Women’s Development Association” comprising approximately 107,000 women across 119 districts in Addis Ababa. These women have been instrumental in initiatives such as the Peace Army, voluntary services including blood donation, flood prevention, and tree planting.
Thanks to the Bureau’s dedicated efforts, women’s saving culture has shown notable improvement. Additionally, technology-backed equipment has been distributed to support women in generating their own income and achieving financial independence.
BY BETELHEM BEDLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 15 MARCH 2025
