BY LEULSEGED WORKU
Due to the traditional and cultural practices and religious values of the community and the political structure of the country, women had been restricted from their active participation in the affairs of their country, or had limited roles.
However, understanding the irreplaceable share of women in the country’s overall development, the Ethiopian government has taken several measures to reverse the previous trend and benefit women. In return, over the years encouraging results have been registered.
According to the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, (MoWSA), it is working aggressively to address the challenges of women, especially since its recent reformation.
The reform has helped the Ministry to be accessible to all sections of the society at the national, states and other administration levels. The reformation has also enabled the Ministry to use resources properly, improve performance and create a favorable environment for stakeholders.
Within the past six months, 1,647 women have got job opportunities; and 547, 927 women have been enabled to engage in income-generating activities. In terms of national responsibilities, the Ministry has so far discharged most of its duties according to its schedule.
Though it is not at the desired level due to the magnitude of the challenge, in the year 2022 alone, the Ministry has benefited 38,738,181 young people in various fields of work. In particular, for over 19 million female students, the Ministry has provided various types of educational materials and other support to prevent school dropouts due to various economic related problems.
Speaking to the Ethiopian Press Agency, Minister’s Office Head, Etagegne Assefa, said that the Ministry is working persistently to maintain the rights of women, children, elderly people, disabled individuals, the youth and other vulnerable members of the society. “Using its mandate, the Ministry strives to ensure their economic, social and political participation and benefit them accordingly. By taking into consideration the problems women face in their day to day activities; several undertakings are being carried out to ensure their full participation and benefit.”
Etagegn said, the current structure of the Ministry focused on and organized to address the social challenges of women, youth and disabled people. This enabled the Ministry to perform its task in an organized manner; and created favorable opportunities for beneficiaries.
As part of its effort to promote female students` participation in education, it provides the necessary support. Coordinating with partners, the Ministry is providing the necessary educational materials and basic hygiene products that are specifically needed for women. Equally, the ministry is offering capacity building training to regional governments. Regarding women of the streets, the Ministry provides skill and practical training to help them get employment opportunities. There were also underprivileged women who had been given to training and hired through job creation programs.
As a result, over the past six years, 1,647 women benefited from created job opportunities. For example, 547,927 women were given training that could enable them to engage in income-generating activities. Loan, that would enable vulnerable women to start business, was also facilitated. In addition, an effort is also exerted to benefit women through inculcating the culture of saving in every district, region, and city administrations level.
As to the Head, developing prospective future leaders is one of the means of benefitting women. In this regard, joining hands with the Office of the President, training was offered for 1, 552 women in Sululta Training Center. Likewise, in order to curb early marriage and Gender Based Violence, a task force consisting of both men and women has been established in every region.
Currently, Ethiopia is reforming youth policy taking into consideration the current global situation. And the age range set by the African Charter for youth or young age is 15 to 35. This is the age group that also makes young women to be beneficiaries from all available opportunities. The annual International Women’s Day will also play a crucial role in ensuring the active participation and benefits of all women including young females, she remarked.
While talking about the importance of marking the International Women’s Day, she said that the day has created awareness among the public and changed “she can’t do” mindset. For the reason it changes this stereotype, several women are coming forward and started serving at different levels with different responsibilities.
These days, ranging from the presidential level, women are serving even at the highest positions of power which were uncommon in earlier times. It is possible to break the prejudgment that was attached to women for long subsequent to the discussions held in relation to the festival, and experience sharing forums and organizational reforms.
If a woman simply stays at home, she cannot fully exercise her rights. In this regard, the festival has given women an opportunity to understand their rights in an organized manner, and also understand the value of organizing and creating coordination to enforce rights.
The woman who was given the title of professor and shared her experience in the media during the recent celebration of International Women’s Day is an example. If this stage was not convenient, he should also explain which stage this woman could have performed on
Mentioning a woman who was given the title of Professor recently and shared her experience through media in relation to International Women’s Day as an example, she said if this stage was not organized, she might not have the opportunity to appear and utter about her life experience. Likewise, the day also enables to commemorate other women who made history and contributed a lot in various areas.
According to Etagegne, it is impossible to clap with one hand. Thus, it is a must to increase the participation of men in the affairs of women to ensure their benefits.
Although Women’s day gives due emphasis on women, their counterparts’ partnership is essential in order to ensure the participation and benefits of women. If not, women’s empowerment cannot be achieved easily because the participation of men is equally important.
According to her, unless awareness raising works are done joining hands with men in every social and economic matter, as well as in training or in the workplace, and make men part of the solution, it will not be possible to achieve the desired outcome. Therefore, it is necessary to work equally on changing the mindset of both men and women.
The Ethiopian herald April 27 /2023
