ADDIS ABABA--Addis Ababa city Female Child Parliamentarians discussed on pressing issues regarding young girls, abuse and exploitation and the right to participate while marking international women’s day.
On a program prepared by Save the Children Ethiopia, five representatives of Female Child Parliamentarians announced their report which indicated that they have saved 11,000 children from under age marriage and rape cases throughout the country.
Tsehaynesh Fantahun, President of the Female Child Parliament said that, the representatives of parliament are working to ensure children’s rights and fulfilment of their social and economic rights to education, health care and adequate standard of living besides to representing their voice to be heard.
‘’Children
need special protection from abuse, neglect and exploitation while these rights
are violated for millions of children across the country. Young girls have been
vulnerable to various physical and psychological abuses of labour, assault,
rape under and age marriage being committed by their parents or those close to
them and even at school. Children and girls need a safe to grow live and learn.
Since its establishment, the female child parliament is opting for practical
ways to help girls to stay at school
and
protect them from any kind of abuse,’’ she stated.
The parliaments has also absorbed many girl clubs and mini media to encourage girls to speak up and increase their participation in making practical ways for their safety and right for education. Kalkidan H/Mariam, House Speaker of the parliament said that ‘’Listening to children and considering what they have to say can be a hallmark of inter personal relationships and strengthening the social relations’’ She further stipulated that concerted effort is needed to tackle physical, psychological abuse and burden that being committed on young girls.
As part of the global initiative to promote the rights and roles of children in the society, children parliaments are formed in each of nine states to be the of voice 40 Million children in Ethiopia.
The Ethiopian Herald Sunday Edition, March 8/2020
BY FASICA BERHANE
