The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948, states that everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for health and well-being, including food, clothing, housing, medical care, and necessary social services. The General Assembly resolution titled “Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” also asserts that eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including extreme poverty, is one of the greatest global challenges and priorities and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development. Of all the declarations and conventions, enhancing the inclusion and benefits of women is central and a matter that cannot be ignored or left unnoticed.
However, despite the numerous promising steps witnessed over the years in ensuring women’s economic benefits, significant gaps still remain in narrowing gender-based discrimination. Several women continue to face discrimination, violence, and denied access to education and health services, leading to economic disparities and gender inequality across countries of the world.
It is common to see qualified women face employment discrimination based on their gender. They are compelled to remain at home and rear children instead of realizing their full potential, and contribute positively to their country’s overall development.
A number of research works and studies conducted by scholars around the globe also indicate the scope and the magnitude of the challenge. For instance, according to General Gender Wage Gap Statistics realized by Forbes in March 2024, globally, women earn sixteen percent less than men on average. House chores which are totally considered as women’s task are not appraised, not treasured or valued. Even the representation of women in managerial positions is minimal. Globally, on average, only twenty-four percent of women hold parliamentary seats.
In terms of education, even though there are some improvements in accessing education, girls of developing countries are still facing numerous obstacles due to traditional practices, such as forced early marriage and gender-based violence. This in turn, is affecting their educational opportunities. What is more, one in three women at least once in her lifetime encounter physical or sexual abuse. As a result of these challenges, girls estimated to be over 130 million are forced to be out of school across the globe. This reality evidently limits women’s journey to academic advancement and equal benefits.
Ethiopia, with the intention to promote gender equality and enhance the overall benefits of women in all areas, has been undertaking multidimensional activities. By adopting international, regional and national conventions, it has been endeavoring to enhance women’s equal participation in the social, economic and political developments of the country and benefiting them. The success registered so far though is encouraging, compared to the magnitude and the scope of the problems; it calls for more attention and action.
As part of this effort, recently, the Addis Ababa City Administration Women and Children Social Affairs Bureau has provided support to 1051 women drawn from all sub cities in the capital and have no income of their own.
The Bureau, by purchasing over ten million Birr worth items, supported women to begin their own business, generate income and improve their own and family livelihood. The women also expressed their happiness and readiness to change their lives with the support they have received.
Among these beneficiaries, Degenesh Kedir, resident of Bole Sub City Woreda 5 and a mother of three, is the one. As Degenesh stated to EPA, following her recent accidental fall occurred in one of the blue days while carrying out her daily activities, she was compelled to end up in a wheelchair.
This time, even though her husband, who is a laborer, has been struggling to put bread on the table and support the family, her own and family life went from bad to worse.
Luckily, at this time when she cannot walk freely by herself and go out and work, she received a support that beamed a ray of hope for the family.
Now, using the bakery oven she received, she intends to bake bread and sell for the surrounding community where she resides thereby lessen the burden of her husband and contribute her share. She also has a dream to expand her business by saving from her income. The woman, who was once in trouble to buy bread, has now set a plan to bake bread, sell and generate her own income. Degenesh also expressed her gratitude for supporters.
The other beneficiary of the support is Meaza Aklilu. Meaza, resident of Cherkos Sub City, and a mother of four was leading her life through moving from houses to houses and carrying house chores such as cooking, laundering and ironing clothes and several similar activities. By performing these activities she has taught her children and let them get employed. And now, Meaza dreams big- to bake Injera, sell and earn income using the injera baking stove provided to her. She also aspires to expand her business, create jobs for fellow citizens, save money and to become self-reliant economically.
Maereg Kassu, a resident of Addis Ketema Sub-City, is the other beneficiary of the support. As she too has mobility problem, she prefers to receive support that takes into consideration her problem. Thus, she prefers to get an onion chopping machine that allows her to work accordingly and generate income. She too plans to save and open a small fast-food house, demonstrating that with courage and interest, one can improve their life.
“Everyone, if he has a desire and determination to work and change, will achieve his goal. He can reach a great level; no matter in what situation he was in. I too will improve my future using the onion chopper I received. I have a plan to open a small restaurant,” she said optimistically, hoping her dream to be a reality.
Addis Ababa City Administration Women and Children Social Affairs Bureau’s Women Sector Deputy Head, Netsanet Daba on her part said that the program targets to address women’s economic challenges, to increase their participation and improve their benefits. The program has been running since the past four years and so far, it has benefited over five thousand women.
Netsanet emphasized that empowering women is crucial to the health and social development of families, communities, and countries. When women lead safe, fulfilled, and productive lives, they can reach their full potential.
She also urged stakeholders to fulfill their social responsibilities to bring positive change in the lives of citizens and eradicate poverty through various approaches.
BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 24 MAY 2024
