Ethiopia marks International Women’s Day

Ethiopian News Agency

President Girma Woldegiorgis said the government is committed to empower women and enable them become self sufficient and confident citizens.
The International Women’s Day (IWD) was colorfully marked at a national level at the Millennium Hall here on Saturday under the theme ‘Women ensure Ethiopia’s renaissance participating in and benefiting from development and good governance’.

Speaking at the occasion, President Girma said the envisaged renaissance of Ethiopia and democracy can only be ensured with the active participation of women in the new Ethiopian millennium.

The development polices and strategies designed by the government have not only helped to ensure the participation and benefit of women but also producing several development heroines.

Making use of the prevailing conducive environment, women are registering encouraging results in development activities, the president said, adding, women had a significant contribution in the country’s economic growth registered over the past consecutive years.

He called upon citizens, governmental and non-governmental organizations to attach due attention to gender related issues. He also called on women to organize in associations and stand for their constitutional rights.

Minister of Women’s Affairs, Hirut Delebo on her part said this year’s IWD is special as it coincides with the new Ethiopian Millennium.

She said a lot has been done on part of the government to end gender disparity and gender based violence, which had been prominent not only in Ethiopia but in the world at large.

She said a lot is expected from women, who constitute half of the population, to ensure Ethiopia’s renaissance in the new millennium.

Successful women farmers pastoralists, athletes and business persons , among others, have received medals and awards from President Girma on the occasion.

As part of the occasion, Millennium 2000 Vision of Women, a photographic exhibition was organized by the Ministry of Women's Affairs and the Ministry of Information.

Ambassadors, representatives of international organizations, religious leaders and women from different walks of life attended the occasion.

Ethiopia is marking IWD for 32nd time.