Violence against women is incredibly widespread. In 2021, around 45,000 women and girls worldwide were killed by soul mate partners or other family members. This means that on average, more than five women and girls are killed every hour by someone in their own family.
Germany Ambassador to Ethiopia Stephan Auer uttered the above statement during the festival organized by the Embassy of Germany and the Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Centre as part of the international 16 days of activism recently.
During the event which was held under the theme: “Youth in Art for Women’s Rights” at Goethe-Institute to raise awareness on gender based violence , the Ambassador highlighted that women have less access to labor market, unemployed, or paid less.
He also said that there are still not enough women in management positions and quoted UN Secretary’s Antonio Guterres stating that it would take another 200years to achieve full gender equality worldwide-assuming we can keep the current pace.
Through the voice and works of Ethiopian artists, the Embassy wants to raise the public’s awareness of women human rights defenders’ movement, the Ambassador stressed.
Equality and a commitment to women’s rights are at the heart of Germany’s human right policy, he said adding that his country supports women’s rights organizations in Ethiopia to ensure that women’s rights and gender equality become a reality.
Emphasizing that the event aims at bringing together artists from all arenas to explore together how to artistically approach women’s rights, the he stated that Artists are one of the most vocal groups in society, and “we want to support them to contribute to empowering women and girls in their fight against sexual- and gender-based violence.”
Art provides an unlimited space to share messages of human rights resilience, strength and unity against GBV. In this regard, we are giving the strong artists to talented young Ethiopian artists who will display the strength and resilience of Ethiopian women in the fight against GBV through their works, Ambassador Auer emphasized.
He further mentioned that strong democracies need strong women who participate equally in all areas of society. It is clear that a society can only function if everyone participates. People of all genders, ages, backgrounds and beliefs must be able to meet on an equal footing and make their contribution.
Underlining the need to providing equal opportunities for men and women, the Ambassador added that dialogues and peace process are more effective and sustainable if women are meaningfully included. As to him, women’s participation in conflict prevention and resolution can improve outcomes during, before, and after conflict.
Moreover, he added that economies would be more productive if everyone participates; he said women-led enterprises are among the most vibrant in Ethiopia.
Thus, he expressed his country’s keen interest to support artists to contribute to empowering women and girls in their fight against inequality, especially in their fight against sexual- and gender-based violence (GBV).
Kalkidan Tesfaye, Advocacy and Communication Senior Officer with the Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Centre mentioned that the event highlights how youth artists portray women’s rights in their works.
The Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Centre collaborates with musicians, poets, animators, filmmakers, and visual artists to promote the causes of sexually assaulted women and girls as we assist those affected by unrest and other situations.
So far, the center has formulated and provided training for over 12 Human Rights Defenders Centers in 12 universities that are believed to be vulnerable to instability, as to her.
Peace State Minister Taye Denda, said at the event that conveying messages through art is significant as it reaches a vast audience in different forms. Campaigning for the rights of women and children using art is crucial given the fact that they are the major victims of GBV as well as insecurity.
The state minister further noted that women and girls are expected to be in forefront to fight for their rights and take the lion share in sensitizing the society, as they are the most vulnerable groups in the times of unrest and crises. Women’s participation in conflict prevention and revolution is also improving from time to time.
The government not only formulates and adopts laws but it is fully committed to ensure women’s rights are respected. Human right activists also need to exert their responsibility in advocating women’s rights and holding accountable individuals who commit sexual assaults, Taye pleaded.
Number of musicians, poets, animators, filmmakers, and visual artists promoted the causes of sexually assaulted women and girls through their works at the ‘youth in art for women’s right’ festival.
The role of women artists in advocating for women’s rights is instrumental in raising awareness, promoting empowerment, and challenging societal norms. Women artists often use their creative talents to address issues such as gender equality, representation, and social justice, thereby amplifying the voices of women and highlighting their experiences. Through various art forms, including visual arts, literature, music, and performance, women artists contribute to shaping the narrative around women’s rights, inspiring change, and fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. Their work not only serves as a platform for expression but also as a catalyst for meaningful conversations and action towards achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Art is a powerful weapon to convey all the necessary messages concerning the right of women. In this regard, Ethiopian women artists, has a responsibility in serving the voiceless women who are victims of all forms of Gender Base Violence. Every women is directly or indirectly the victims of the aforementioned GBV. Every women is also an artist who knew the power of conveying message through art.
BY BETELHEM BEDLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 10 DECEMBER 2023
