The African proverb goes that “If you educate a man, you educate an individual. But if you educate a woman, you educate a nation.” This often heard saying puts a high value on the benefits of teaching girls and young women and its felt impact in the family, the whole community and even in each and every progress, be it social, economic or political advancement of the country.
Obviously, education is a pivotal element to break the cycle of persistent poverty and prevent diseases, to bring about substantial change within the community and society, as well as advance countries’ development.
As a matter of fact, an educated woman develops a better potential to earn her own income and be economically independent, educate her own children; maintaining a healthy family, and bring about positive change not only on her own life but also on the lives of people around her and at the wider societal level.
In this respect, giving equal opportunities with their counterparts and educating girls through providing the needed support, material, financial, psychological to boost encouragement and make them more motivated, has incalculable returns not only at individual and family level but also for the entire community and the country.
According to documents, an educated woman’s household is more likely to prosper as a result of a higher overall income. Just one extra year of secondary education can increase a woman’s income as much as 25 % a year. By participating in the labor market, an educated woman helps boost economic productivity, leading to greater wealth for her community as well.
However, for a variety of reasons, the enrollment of girls and young women at primary, secondary and tertiary levels is still not at the desired level. In some cases, even high achieving students are seen challenged in advancing their education including lack of motivation and a little encouragement. As a result, many failed to pursue their education and achieve their potential.
Recently, the Addis Ababa City Administration Women, Children and Social Affairs Bureau has given recognition and awards to high achieving female students who scored the highest graduation grades and achieved top university entrance results in the 12th grade national exams during the 2015 Ethiopian academic year from government universities and high schools that are situated in the capital, Addis Ababa.
The recognition and award ceremony was carried out at a forum organized to share the experiences of successful women thereby to develop a culture of mutual understanding and promote support among women, according to the report from Ministry of Women and Social Affairs.
Speaking at the ceremony, State Minister at the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs Huria Ali said, “The achievement you gained today is the outcome of your hard work. The Award you received today for your best results will motivate you to work more, penetrate and be competitive and winner in tomorrow’s competitions at global level. You should not forget that you are responsible to accelerate Ethiopia’s overall development and realize its prosperity, and create a favorable environment for women, children, Persons with Disabilities, elderly and all citizens.”
Today for the reason you practically refuted the long attached assumption of those people saying “women cannot do it” and those who take womanhood as an excuse, you have built your own ladder for your future. In your future path, you need to develop the ability to conduct deep research works, teamwork, build effective communication and entrepreneurship skills, she said.
“You, high achieving female graduates and students, have the responsibility to work determinedly to prosper your country and make it comfortable for all citizens, beyond changing your lives,” the State Minister reiterated.
In particular, with the aim to lessen the challenges working women face in relation to giving birth and maternity related responsibilities- to not leave their jobs after due date and become economically dependent, daycare centers were set up to support women to keep their children in a safe place so that they can work with undivided heart and fully committed to their work.
In this regard the City Administration is working to support working to secure their job, keep their children in safe areas, rely on themselves and ensure their equal participation socially, politically and economically. According to her, for this to happen, the city is being led by a woman and its leadership structure is being organized with successful female leaders; has created a favorable situation for the success.
Women Sector Deputy Head with the Bureau Mekdes Tesfaye on her part said that following the reform that occurred in our country, several women are coming forward in areas of entrepreneurship, leadership, and other fields that drive growth and elevate the country. Mentioning that education is the main area that enables to bring about the desired outcome in terms of realizing gender equality, the Head said that the achievements of those graduates and school students in the education sector is a source of pride and it is a gateway to prosperity that we are striving as a nation.
BY STAFF REPORTER
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2023
