ADDIS ABABA– To bring more capable women to the political limelight of the country the government is doing its best with stakeholders, disclosed Ministry of Women, Children and Youths Affairs.
Regarding the upcoming election Meneyamir Yitayih women empowerment group leader within the Ministry told The Ethiopian Herald that unlike the case with other countries, there is no mandatory quota. There is no law to enforce the equal inclusion of women. It has not put a designated number of seats for women. So the women’s participation in politics depends on political party’s strength.
Thus, the government is working with civic societies especially on the areas of advocacy for political parties. To overcome the women’s political participation limitations, it has also been conducting researches to identify root causes or undercurrent factors, he said.
The research has focuses on the limitations on policy, implementation and other related higher issues.
Minyamir noted, mindful of the upcoming election the ministry will strenuously overcome the problems as part of its plan. It is determined to see more powerful women on the political arena. The advocacy will be handled in collaboration with the political parties, NEBE, and civic societies. The movement has already kickstarted.
As an instance he mentioned that the Prosperity Party has set as a rule women participation in its executive committee has to be 50 percent. It as well plans to do the same. So we are urging other parties to follow suit.
Ashenafi Feyisa, women affairs inclusion and benefit assuring Acting Director at the Ministry told The Ethiopian Herald that it has not the Ministry’s focus only creating capable politician women; it has also been working on women empowerment on socially and economically. Trainings have been given for women to build their capacity more on political management and decision making.
As to him, a short-term training was given before, and now the ministry in collaboration with UN women is starting giving transformation and leadership training which is multidirectional. It is not simply focused on political or management areas only it also includes all social and economic directions.
To change the wrong perception that women on political and management areas are finger counted, it has been working on increasing the educational status of many from the fair sex category. And also it is working to step up their management capacity by giving practical training, Ashenafi added.
He noted, it has been jump starting process in collaboration with UN women to conduct research on limitations, which coerces women to shy away from climbing the managerial ladder. It also studies what are the hindrances that confront women from going high on the executive echelons and also as to what is the role of men in bolstering women leadership. After made public and up on going operational the research result will help take effective actions.
The Ethiopian Herald January 5/2020
BY GENET FEKADE
