BY HAILE DEMEKE
ADDIS ABABA – President Sahlework Zewde said the establishment of strong associations across the country and beyond is the prerequisite for the protection and promotion of women’s rights and mainstreaming their cause.
The President made the above remark yesterday in a nationwide event held to mark International Women’s Day (IWD) which is celebrated on 8 March annually. “The IWD should not be celebrated once in a year, rather it should be a 365 day event. Mach 8 reminds us and is a ringing bell for women to look at their past, current and future from the perspective of women’s equality, benefit and human rights.”
As to her, women need to have strong associations and a common agenda to get out of the challenges they are facing, ensuring their equality, defending their rights, and streaming their cause. Likewise, vibrant associations facilitate women’s equal participation in various spheres including bolstering their role in decision-making positions. The conflict, pandemic and other pressing challenges Ethiopia has gone through in the past two years worsen the already-in-bad condition of women.
“It is important to recognize that there are things which may pullback achievements registered over the past years. We have to look at the past achievements to go along with new ideas. The African Women Leaders Network was established four years ago in order to strengthen our ties with other African countries. Consolidating the network and experience sharing activities are so crucial.”
Even though Ethiopia has taken commendable steps in mainstreaming the women’s cause, still much effort remains. Accordingly, the nation that we are going to build needs to include women in a decision-making role, fights gender-based violence, and protects women’s rights, she emphasized
THE ETHIOPIAN THURSDAY 9 MARCH 2023
