Commission stresses electoral preparation should consider violence against women

BY YESUF ENDRIS

ADDIS ABABA – Now that participation of women in Ethiopian politics is growing, violence against women during election process needs to be addressed, Ethiopian Human Rights Commission noted.

During the conference on gender responsive electoral process in the upcoming National General Election with stakeholders, Women and Children Affairs Commissioner in the Commission Meseret Mamo said despite progresses in women’s political participation, some political parties still practice many forms of gender bias.

“International and local legal frameworks provide that gender issue should not be taken as a means to evaluate political excellence of individuals. But large number of violence is practiced even by senior political figures,” she said.

Many political parties are mainly run and dominated by men; thus, it can be taken as a showcase that the role of women in national development is still undermined,  she indicated.

To her, the electoral preparation for the upcoming General Election should comprise approaches to fight against violence during the election process.

She further noted that her department is working closely with political parties and other stakeholders in preventing gender-based violence.

Saba Gebremedhin, Executive Director of Network of Ethiopian Women Associations in her part also said that initiatives taken by joint venture of the government and CSOs has registered optimistic progresses though further actions are required.

“It was reported that 50 percent of senior cabinet members are women which could be seen as great success in fighting gender discrimination in politics.”

However, she added that negative mentality against women’s participation in politics must be addressed as it is still challenging the whole aspect of national issues.

The Ethiopian herald December 22/2020

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