Increasing the social, economic, and political participation of all segments of a society, regardless of any differences – be it ethnicity, religion, age disability, gender, socio-economic status, education level, or any other form- is of critical importance to address social, economic and political inequalities, promote inclusiveness, empower citizens and uphold sustainable development and peace.
In a direct contradiction to this, however, in several cases, large portions of the population throughout the world, especially women, children, people with disabilities and elders are seen systematically excluded from their social, economic and political rights owing to reasons associated with ethnicity, religion, age, disability, gender identity or other affiliations.
Despite their potential to contribute immensely to their countries social and economic growth, these social groups around the globe encounter common barriers which keep them from involving in income generating activities, growing and leading a healthy life for the reason of long attached compounded stereotypes and lack of supportive legal and regulatory frameworks that promote inclusivity.
Governments, recognizing the potential of these segments of the society and their irrepressible contribution in countries’ overall development, as well as the undesirable consequences and incalculable cost exclusion and marginalization can incur, are making every effort to increase the active participation of the disadvantaged section of society.
By developing constructive policies and strategies that can curb barriers and obstacles that limit the involvement of these groups; and to enhance their active participation in each and every activity of their respective countries, they are working to address the challenges thereby guarantee a more equal and sustainable economic development. It has been possible to set legislations that benefit all equally, irrespective of any differences.
As a consequence, even though it is not possible to pace at the desired level and a lot remains to be done, some improvements are witnessed. Today, it is possible to see more women and disabled people engaging in areas that were once restricted or almost closed for these segments. Seeing women and disabled people engaging in the most challenging tasks and performing well at various areas including in the leadership positions is common.
The case is not different in Ethiopia. Several women and disabled people for long were discriminated against and excluded from participating in the country’s social, economic and political affairs and their rights had been violated for reasons that are beyond their control. As a result, a great deal of potential that is capable enough to bring about visible changes and accelerate the country’s growth left underutilized.
In fact, various activities have been carried out to address the problem, ensure their rights and increase the involvement of these groups in their country’s overall activities.
To this end, aside from devising a number of national laws and regulations that are decisive to ensure the rights of women, people with disabilities, children and elder people at different times and levels, the country ratified international agreements and conventions, including the UN Conventions such as on the Rights of People with Disabilities, women, children. Not only that, local organizations that advocate for the rights of their members were established and works are ongoing accordingly.
Currently, joining hands with various local, regional and international organizations, the nation is working to increase the active participation and benefits of women, children and people with disabilities at all levels.
Recently, the Women, Children and Social Affairs Bureau of the Addis Ababa City Administration highlighted the importance of coordination with institutions to ensure the universal benefit of women, children and the disabled people.
This was stated at the consultation forum the Bureau held with executives drawn from government and nongovernment institutions focusing on the implementation of women, children, people with disabilities and the elderly people inclusiveness, Addis Ababa City Administration Women, Children and Social Affair Bureau reported.
Speaking on the occasion, Peace and Security Bureau Head with the Addis Ababa City Administration Lidya Girma said that the activities that have been commenced to ensure the overall participation and benefits of women, the elderly and people with disabilities are bearing fruits. Thus, they should be continued in a more organized and concerted manner than before.
Institutions that are working in the city should exert utmost effort for inclusiveness and work committedly and in collaboration for the successful implementation of the program, she added. The Head also urged institutions to play a role and enhance the participation and benefits of these groups by giving due emphasis for inclusiveness.
Women, Children and Social Affairs Bureau Head with the City Administration Woineshet Zeriyhun on her part said that various activities are being carried out in the capital with the aim to benefit women, children, the elderly and the disabled. In order to ensure the benefit of these segments and to make the effort a success, numerous activities are undertaken to enable institutions to implement the principle of inclusiveness properly and effectively.
She also underlined the necessity of identifying gaps that are witnessed in the implementation of inclusiveness in institutions; and the need to prepare accordingly to do better in the future. In this regard, institutions operating in the capital are required to work in coordination and give special attention on the implementation of inclusiveness, she remarked.
She also revealed the establishment of a Community-Wide Coalition Care Council that is responsible to provide support for those people who have been affected by various kinds of problems and menaces due to various reasons. According to her, the Council has already entered into operation.
Chairperson of the Standing Committee of Women, Youth and Social Affairs of the Addis Ababa City Council Zeineba Shikur also said that in this year, though not in all institutions, some improvements are witnessed regarding the implementation of inclusivity, and the standing committee was able to observe that in the sectors it monitors.
According to her, there are limitations among institutions in terms of implementing inclusiveness properly and effectively. If inclusion gets special attention by the leadership of all the institutions and implemented effectively, the rights and benefits of those people will be ensured. Therefore, she stressed that all institutions should pay due attention to the implementation of inclusiveness to guarantee the participation and benefits of women, persons with disabilities and elderly people. “The necessary support will be provided by the Council,” she vowed.
BY ELIZABETH MENGISTU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 3 FEBRUARY 2024
