ADDIS ABABA, 8 March 2019 – Under the leadership of H.E Abiy Ahmed Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the Ministry of Women, Children and Youth and the African Union Commission jointly commemorated Ethiopia’s first International Women’s Day since the formation of the country’s first parity government in 2018.
The event highlighted the nexus between parity, peace and security and provided the opportunity to recognize the unprecedented progress Ethiopia has made in advancing gender equality in leadership and political participation. Speaking to more than 2000 delegates, members of the executive, legislative and judiciary, H.E Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed paid tribute to all the women of Ethiopia and urged them to more decisively use their Voice for peace and prosperity across the continent. He reminded the audience of the critical role women can play in yielding durable solutions in every respect of life and reiterated his strong commitment to ensuring the removal of barriers that hamper their ability to translating their leverage greater forces of change.
Reading the official message of H.E Moussa Faki Mahamat Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E Minata Samate Cessouma, and Commissioner for Political Affairs drew particular attention on the needs and realities of women have been forcibly displaced and living in camps across the continent and the diaspora. She highlighted the nexus between the AU’s theme of the year which focuses on finding durable solutions for refugees and internally displaced populations, the organization’s first strategy for gender equality and women’s empowerment and the global IWD’s theme. She commended AU member states and partners for hosting and protecting the dignity of populations forcibly displaced and called for continued support to bringing peace, security and prosperity to the continent. She used the opportunity to congratulate Prime Minister Abiy’s for the country’s many firsts: parity government, women President, Chief Justice and parliament among others. She also highlighted the AU own efforts to achieve parity and 35% youth representation by 2025.
Mrs.Yalem Tsegaye, the Honorable Minister of Women, Children and Youth and convener of this high level event, expressed on behalf of all women of Ethiopia, their deepest appreciation for the trust and respect shown to them through the appointment of such an unprecedented number of women in key positions of decision-making and strides towards making parity the norm in the country. She presented results achieved by her Ministry and priorities that lie ahead, including translating promises and commitments into tangible gains for women, children and the youth with a particular emphasis on the most marginalized groups. She invited all stakeholders to support Ethiopia’s efforts for peace and prosperity and thanked the Women, Gender and Development Directorate of the African Union Commission, UN AIDS, UN Women and women’s groups for working together to implement this successful high level event.
The United Nations Under-Secretary General and Executive Director for UNAIDS, H.E Michel Sidibe, congratulated Ethiopia for setting a bold and transformational example towards gender equality and women’s empowerment through the unprecedented number of women in the highest levels of decision-making and its parity government. He highlighted the impact of HIV/AIDS on increasing gender inequalities and vulnerability of women and reiterated his organization’s commitment to remaining a solid partner in finding durable solutions towards eradicating the disease. He also commended Ethiopia on the progress made in helping lower women’s exposure to the disease and called on continued global support towards ending HIV/AIDS.
The event was held in the Mandela Hall at the African Union Commission and attended by high level officials from the executive, legislative and judiciary of Ethiopia and dignitaries from the AU Commission and the United Nations.

For further information contact
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dic@africa-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

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For further information contact
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dic@africa-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

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