Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Demeke Mekonnen said women have significantly contributed in the efforts to enable the country enter a new development phase.
Speaking at the opening of the first assembly of Ethiopian Women's Federation in Adama Town of Oromia State over the weekend, Demeke said women had played crucial role during the armed struggle to oust the dictatorial Dergue regime. Demeke said currently they are contributing encouraging share in the ongoing efforts to maintain peace, speed up development and build democracy in the country.
He said in particular during the last two decades the government has carried out various activities to increase participation of women in development activities and to ensure their benefits. Demeke said the late PM Meles Zenawi contributed memorable contribution in preparing ‘Women's Package' to help women play leading role in decision making and to prevent violence against women .
State Deputy Chief, Abdulaziz Mohammed on his part said 1.5 million women in the state are organized in associations to curb socio-economic problems they are facing. Federation President Azeb Mesfin on her part said efforts of the government to empower women and enable them participate in decision making are registering results.
Azeb said undertaking activities in an organized manner is significant to further strengthen such efforts. She also called on women's associations at all levels and stakeholders to work in collaboration to reduce poverty, which is the main enemy of the country.
