Throughout history, the role of women within the family, community and society is multilayered. From shouldering household responsibilities to taking care of children and the elderly, from promoting the well-being of their families; to shaping and building a community, women play an integral role in society.
However, the contribution of women was often neglected or less appreciated for various absurd reasons. As a result, many women who have exceptional capabilities and multiple skills were compelled to confine at home merely restricted in home chores. As a result, women’s skills and knowledge that have a potential to contribute something important to the world was undermined and was lost.
Fortunately, thanks to the ongoing efforts exerted to address challenges- such as gender-based discrimination, violence, and systemic biases- to ensure the equal benefits of women and enhance women’s roles in society, remarkable achievements are seen though much more assignments remain undone.
Despite the numerous challenges they face in their strides, these days, several women have proven their potential and competence by registering remarkable achievements in every sector they may engage in. Breaking the invisible barriers that prevent them from, more women are coming to the frontline and appearing to be role models for others -to envision and pursue their own paths
As a result, the visibility of successful women in various fields, such as in the business, politics, science, arts, armed forces among others has become a common trend.
Recently, at a graduation ceremony held at Hurso Contingent Training School for members of the Ethiopian Defense forces who got trained for a peacekeeping mission, the valiance and determination of women in the army was appreciated.
Speaking at the event held in Dire Dawa City Administration, Brigadier General Huluageresh Deres said that the involvement and role of women soldiers in the army is increasing meaningfully and they are carrying out their duties in the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission effectively and remarkably.
In her interview with ENA, Brigadier General Huluagersh said that the participation and effectiveness of women in joining the National Defense Forces and defending the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country is increasing significantly.
Further than this, they are contributing substantially in increasing the reputation and the eligibility of the nation in the United Nations peacekeeping mission.
She also stated that the number of members of the female army and leaders who have been prepared for the peacekeeping mission in South Sudan has increased more than ever before.
This, in turn, is demonstrating the growing acceptance and braveness of women in Africa, especially in East Africa, by creating partnership and collaboration between and among countries and peoples to make sure that peace and security prevail.
The graduates will continue representing the nation at the global arena. Being ambassadors of their country, on behalf of their country and their people promote the image of Ethiopia by carrying out their national and institutional duties competently in the areas where they may recruit to maintain peace.
Brigadier General Huluagaresh, who attended the ceremony, also shared her experiences and encouraged the graduating female army members participating in the campaign to fulfill their peacekeeping missions accordingly and achieve better results.
“Following the footstep our mothers and grandmothers whose femininity did not restrict them from defending the territorial integrity of their country and its sovereignty, above all realizing the price they paid, I have joined the army honoring the greatness of my country,” said Frehiwot Girma, the other member of the army and preparing to travel to peacekeeping operation.
Frehiwot also confirmed her readiness to perform her duties with greater honor, determination and with a sense of enthusiasm at the peacekeeping operation in a manner taking into account the army’s civility and professional humbleness.
Lieutenant Dejyitnu Ayalew also said that being engaged in a peacekeeping mission representing the country and the great Ethiopian defense forces indicates the increasing participation and acceptance of women in the army.
Dejyitnu also said that she will strive to increase the acceptance of the army by effectively carrying out her duties in the peacekeeping operation she is engaged in.
In his discussion with female trainees, trainers and civil servants, Deputy Commander of the Training Center Colonel Alemayheu Chewaka said that involvement of women in the social, political, economic and other issues of the country is increasing from time to time. Women are actively participating in every aspect and in any training or in the conscription zone where they are deployed; the women are doing exemplary deeds, FDRE Defense Force reported.
During the conflict that the country entered, women were able to overcome the challenges and testified their commitment, dedication and braveness by travelling long distances, enduring the difficult terrains and climatic conditions.
Mentioning that women are successfully completing the challenging and tiring commando and airborne training, Colonel Alemayheu said that commando and airborne trainers and staff professionals are still expected to further develop and improve their skills through training.
Commando and Airborne Training Center Women’s Affairs Team Leader Major Tikdem Worku also said that no matter how hard and complicated the military career is, it can be learned from history that Ethiopian women soldiers have fulfilled their mission unwaveringly concurrent to shouldering their manifold responsibilities
In order to sustain this glittering history, female members of the army are discharging their duties in accordance with the institution’s guidelines and regulations to be active and competent in all fields, she said.
It was also stated at the graduation ceremony that 17 percent of those who received training to engage in the peacekeeping mission of the United Nations in South Sudan, are women.
The Ethiopian National Defense Forces beyond defending the sovereignty, peace and security of Ethiopia, they have been contributing significantly to peacekeeping activities in Africa and the rest of the world.
BY STAFF REPORTER
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 21 MARCH 2024
