The United States (US) Embassy in Addis Ababa on Thursday hosted Ethiopian women in what it called an experience-sharing and networking workshop entitled, “Advancing Women’s Inclusion in Political Processes.”
In honor of Women’s History Month and the 120th anniversary of US–Ethiopia relations, the event engaged more than 100 women leaders from Ethiopia’s government agencies, political parties, civil society, private sector, and academia.
The workshop aimed at empowering women to become more active and effective players in the political and policymaking landscape, the Embassy stated.
This was part of a series of US State Department-organized women’s political engagement seminars among women from the Horn of Africa. It featured National Election Board of Ethiopia Chairperson, Melatwork Hailu, and Ethiopia’s State Minister for Social Affairs Mrs. Huria Ali Mahdi as keynote guests who shared their vast leadership experiences with current and future generation of leaders.
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In her remarks Chairperson Melatwork said, “As women engage in the political sphere, we must remember something: never give away your character key. Be true to yourself and engage in the public sphere boldly. Ethiopia will benefit from it.”
State Minister Huria also asserted that “Women must be empowered to engage in Ethiopia’s formal political processes, not just informal ones. Their involvement improves outcomes and is critical to success.”
Deputy Chief of Mission Ms. Gwendolyn Wendy Green, who served as the keynote interviewer, praised the lively engagement from a diverse group of women participants saying that “Women’s participation in political processes is a key component of a healthy democracy.”
“I was inspired by what I heard today. It bodes well for the future to know women are determined to engage,” she added.
In addition, three women leaders including Mekelle University President Dr. Fana Hagos, National Dialogue Commissioner Ms. Belain Gebremedhin, and Ethiopian Women with Disabilities National Association Executive Director Ms. Dibabe Bacha shared their leadership experience in a moderated panel discussion.
The Embassy also recognized Dibabe as its 2024 International Women of Courage nominee.
