Ensuring the peace and security of women and promoting their equal participation and benefits at all levels is a cross-cutting issue in every country’s social, economic and political progress or to achieve aspired national goals.
Across the globe, in most cases, women and girls unevenly face a number of challenges owing to gender-based stereotypes and long attached traditional, cultural and religious misconceptions. As a result, even today in the 21st century, millions of women and girls around the world, mainly women and girls of developing countries, are experiencing the worst deprived of their rights, the era of the 21st century.
Indeed, several initiatives have been started and measures have been taken to empower women thereby ensure their equal rights. Countries, by setting their own policies and adopting international and regional conventions, have undertaken various activities to enhance the social, economic and political participation of women thereby sustaining gender equality. However, the feats gained so far, in comparison with the challenges, are not at the required levels. As a result, even today, millions of women around the world live under male-controlled environments, deprived of their economic, social and political opportunities which call for further effort and concerted action.
The case is not different in Ethiopia. Though efforts have been applied for decades to promote gender-equality and ensure the overall rights of women, there are still numerous bottlenecks that hinder the equal participation and benefits of women. Even these days; hundreds of thousands of women are living in poverty, marginalized from their economic, social and political opportunities as well as experiencing physical and verbal abuse from their counterparts.
However, this does not mean that there is no progress in empowering women and girls at all; because encouraging strides are made in accessing education for girls, helping women to be self-reliant economically through engaging in income generating activities, and bringing more women at the leadership ladder. However, there are also indicators that call for further energy and concerted efforts across a number of sectors.
Speaking in connection with the 118th International Women’s Day and celebrated for the 48th time at Adwa Victory Memorial, Addis Ababa under the theme “Let’s Empower Women, Let’s Ensure Peace and Development,” President Sahele-Work Zewde also acknowledge the works Ethiopia has been undertaking to promote gender-equality and the achievements scored over the years in bringing women into leadership and ensuring economic opportunities. She also highlighted the need for further progress.
Ethiopian women have contributed a lot in building the image of Ethiopia. Without the active participation of women at the senior position level and having women at the table of power, it is almost impossible to say there is real justice, peace and democracy. Due to this, we have to strive heavily to sustain the success we have achieved in bringing women to the front.”
According to her, empowering women brings democracy, good governance and rule of law. The President also emphasized on the positive impacts of empowering rural women in agriculture, accessing education to girls and fighting the visible and invisible gender based violence.
Encouraging initiatives have been taken in Ethiopia to ensure women’s participation and their economic benefits, which should be further strengthened. The role of education is incalculable to ensure women empowerment. This is especially true for those Ethiopian women living in rural parts of the country. She also stressed that all forms of gender based violence against women should be halted unconditionally.
Mentioning that women are victims of war who will suffer the most, Sahle-Work said that women should be included in the peace negotiation. “Conflict affects women disproportionately. And our struggle is not to gain special privilege; but it is for equal rights,” President Sahle-Work remarked.
Speaking on her part, Addis Ababa City Administration Mayor Adanech Abiebie said that a number of activities are being made to ensure women`s all round benefit and empowerment. The City Administration is exerting utmost effort to ensure the benefits of women as its key task, and to this end, activities are ongoing, she said, stating the works that have been done to ensure women’s decision-making including empowering them to have significant political roles in high government leadership positions. In the same way, a number of programs that are vital to ensure the social, economic and political benefits of women were also devised, she added.
Stating the irreplaceable role of women in speeding up the economic progress among the society, Women and Social Affairs Minister, Ergoge Tesfaye (PhD) on her part said that women constitute half of the total population and they have a key role in Ethiopia’s development. In this regard, as part of its endeavor to ensure women’s equal rights and their active participation in the overall development endeavors of the country, the government is committed to support their effort and will continue strengthening its activities, to ensure all rounded participation of women.
She said that the “International Women’s Day” is a fruit of struggle made by determined women who fought against all forms of oppression and claimed the same rights as men to work, speak, and gather and other rights. After years of struggle, their effort has borne fruit and women are able to express their opinion publicly and prove their capabilities in various spheres.
Moreover, International Women’s Day is a testament to the relentless fight of women across the world to achieve equality and recognition. It serves as a reminder of the remarkable progress made in the struggle for women’s rights, while also shedding light on the challenges that still persist.
Emphasizing that women are the backbone of any society and are pivotal to the progress and stability of any country, she highlighted the government’s commitment to promoting gender equality and increasing women’s participation in leadership roles.
According to her, significant changes have been seen over the past five years in enhancing women’s involvement in decision-making processes and positions of authority. Furthermore, the government has undertaken extensive initiatives to empower women, enabling them to apply their skills, knowledge, and energy to the advancement of the country. Efforts have been made to elevate women to higher positions within the government and across various levels of authority.
The government is dedicated to establishing a comprehensive system that benefits women across all sectors, not only in positions of power and responsibility, but also in economic, social, and political realms. This holistic approach aims to create an environment where women can thrive and actively participate in shaping the nation’s future, the Minister reaffirmed.
In addition to commemorating International Women’s Day, the Ministry has been actively engaging in discussions and public mobilization activities with states and city administrations to address issues that are of utmost importance to women. These efforts aimed at fostering dialogue, reinforcing understanding and strengthening collaborative action to address the unique challenges faced by women in different areas.
Furthermore, the Minister highlighted the government’s support for vulnerable women and children, with over 23,932 individuals receiving assistance worth more than 99 million Birr. These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to improving the lives and the well-being of women across various fields.
International Women’s Day serves as a platform to amplify the voices of women across the world, providing an opportunity to advocate for their rights and their meaningful participation in decision-making processes. It also urges to prioritize women’s safety, access to essential services, and economic opportunities, particularly in conflict-affected areas where these rights are often denied.
Preserving peace for women in Ethiopia requires concerted efforts at various levels. It involves promoting inclusive dialogue, conflict resolution and reconciliation processes that actively involve women. Engaging women in peace building efforts not only contributes to the overall effectiveness and sustainability of peace initiatives, but also helps women’s voices be heard and address their concerns.
As the world marks International Women’s Day, it is crucial to recognize the significance of preserving peace, especially in regions affected by conflict. In the context of Ethiopia, the preservation of peace is of utmost importance, as women often bear the brunt of the consequences of conflict.
BY LEULSEGED WORKU
The Ethiopian Herald March 14 /2024
