Child issues better addressed in close cooperation: MoWSA

Addis Ababa, August 6, 2022 (FBC) – State Minister of Women and Social Affairs Alemitu Omot underscored the need for seamless cooperation among relevant government bodies and non-profit organizations. She said such cooperation delivers lasting solutions to issues that matter to the safety and wellbeing of children in Ethiopia.

These comments came at a high-level meeting that examined alternatives to setting up a Multi-Stakeholder Platform (MSP) and a Technical Working Group.

These platforms, once set up, would play invaluable roles in conducting national assessments, aligning priorities, mobilizing resources, and putting forward policy recommendations to sustainably address child rights issues.

Fragmented efforts by various actors in the sector can’t provide effective solutions to challenges that affect the growth and development of children.

“CARE Ethiopia strongly believes that crucial stakeholders in the industry should come under the steady leadership of the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs.”

The gathering looked into and agreed on alternative ideas that constitute strategic leadership to address child rights issues, including child labor and abuse.

Care Ethiopia hosted the meeting in the presence of senior staff from the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs and the Ministry of Labor and Skills.

The hope is that key actors in the sector will soon come together to identify overarching priorities and suggest policy approaches for lasting solutions. Child labor is a chronic problem affecting children globally, and Ethiopia experiences similar challenges.

These efforts are geared towards sustainably addressing such cross-cutting challenges under the leadership of the relevant ministries and close working relationships among key stakeholders.