Addis Ababa, October 28, 2024 (FBC) – Network of Ethiopian Women’s Association (NEWA) in partnership with the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs and Oxfam unveiled result of a research conducted with financial support of EU with a title “Determining the Ethiopian Women’s Status and Priorities.”
In her remarks at the launching event, Minister of Women and Social Affairs, Ergogie Tesfaye (PhD), stated that the research is undertaken through a mixed method of quantitate survey that involved more than 36, 000 households and a qualitative data involving diverse women groups in different regions.
The study aimed to generate a comprehensive report, that can inform policy and programing initiatives that address dimensions essential to women’s well- being and development, the Minister explained.
Having such evidence-based programming at national and different levels is believed to highly contribute to women’s empowerment in the social, economic and political spheres, she said.
Understanding women’s needs and priorities will indeed facilitate targeted actions, help to increase investment on gender equity and women empowerment programs, facilitate policy and plans to be implemented.
We also aspire and work to see such research actions will continue to be undertaken periodically, and consistently, so that women and girls representing half of the society will get the attention they deserve in national initiatives, she said.
Ergogie also underscored the significance of the findings of the study in filling the information and data gap regarding the participation of women in socio-economic and political arenas.
The findins and the recommendations of the study will serve as an input for decision making in the efforts to realize a just and equitable society, Ergogie added calling all stakeholder to contribute their part in the implementation of the action plan.
Ambassador of the EU delegation to Ethiopia, Sofie From-Emmesberger, for her part, appreciated the study as a significant step towards improving livelihoods of girls and women. She added that the findings would help strengthen endeavors to improve the lives of girls and women with funding and advocacy.
She also underscored the importance the research in supporting efforts to realize gender equality, growth, prosperity, good governance, peace and security which said core values of the EU, calling all stakeholders to contribute their part for the success of the implementation.
Executive Director of NEWA, Saba Gebremedihin, explained that the research project on “Determining the Ethiopian Women’s Status and Priorities” has been undertaken with the objective to gather evidence on the status, priorities and needs of women across multiple dimensions such as education, socio-economic situation, health, psychological well-being, political participation, peace and security and justice for a better future.