ADDIS ABABA - Experts emphasize that ensuring access to high-quality education for girls and encouraging active community involvement in gender-related matters are crucial steps toward achieving gender equality in Ethiopia.
The Union of Ethiopian Women and Children Associations (UEWCA) held a panel discussion on gender equality progress and challenges in Ethiopia.
Yeshareg Damite (PhD), an Education and Gender Equality Advisor, emphasized that having robust guidelines and policies is crucial for ensuring accountability and responsibility among all individuals in enhancing gender equality within the nation.
As she puts it, education is crucial for advancing gender equality because informed women can significantly shape their futures through awareness and independence once they receive an education.
Thus, every girl should be educated and get the chance to change her life through education, she recommended.
She pointed out that the improvement in primary school enrollment in Ethiopia is a positive step toward achieving gender equality.
Nonetheless, prioritizing the educational sector and actively engaging in community mobilization is essential for empowering women and improving their prospects.
At present, the increasing costs of living, disputes across various regions of the country, and negative community practices are some of the challenges being faced by women in Ethiopia.
She emphasized the importance of combating abuse against women and children collectively and expanding initiatives to raise awareness through proactive community engagement aimed at empowering women.
On her part, a representative from Addis Ababa City Administration Tsedalech Michael said that compared to other parts of the country the city is witnessing a remarkable progress regarding women participation in various fields.
"The involvement of women in political decision-making and their economic participation is gradually improving due to various opportunities within the city that support women," she stated.
She encourages women who actively engage in social, political, and economic matters to help build a brighter future for all women and girls.
At the presentation on "The Status of Gender Equality in Ethiopia," the Education Team Leader and Gender Expert for the Ministry of Education, Eskinder Lakew, stated that Ethiopia is working towards achieving gender equality by developing numerous policies and strategies.
However, there are still gaps in women economic empowerment and political participation, he said.
As to him, government to partners' partnership, multi-sectorial collaborations, active community mobilization, among others are crucial to attain gender equality.
"Women and child abuse prevalence is worsening in the country due to the ongoing conflict in some parts of the country. Thus, more attention should be given to the issue," he stressed.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
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