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Ethiopia is truly the land of heroines. Throughout its history, the land has enjoyed the fruits of its leading heroines. The great Ethiopian victory-Adwa and the role of Empress Taitu is a good indication of this. Even if her husband Menelik II had a great role in the political leadership to conquer the invading force, the role of his wife, Empress Taitu, was also vital. Furthermore, those Ethiopian patriots who had been serving as double agents during the five years of occupation are good indications of the role of Ethiopian women in the political sphere.
The role of Ethiopian women in political affairs may not be visible, but they have always been serving their homeland behind the scenes. Despite all the household chores, they have both visible and invisible roles in their nation’s political transition. However, despite this quality of leadership, there was no time when Ethiopian women were represented in parliament equally as their male counterparts. For several decades they were included in the political leadership for the sake of political propaganda. However, the past three years have seen a new political transformation in the Ethiopian cabinet that brought equal political opportunities to men. This political reform has unveiled the old and torn curtain that hides women behind the scenes.
Following his rise to power, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has reversed the earlier trend that led to men dominating political leadership. As reported in various international media, Ethiopia’s initiative towards the empowerment of women is a good indicator of equality and can also be taken as a model for other African countries.
As part of his ambition, Prime Minister Abiy has assigned 50 percent of the cabinet to women. This includes the presidential office and the Ministry of Defense which had been totally dominated by men. This reform is not out of nowhere. Seeing the role of women in restoring peace and stability, the reform has enabled them to hold key political positions.
In his own words, the Prime Minister once said: “Women have made a great contribution to the restoration of peace and stability, they were less corrupt, respected their work and could sustain the momentum of change. Our ministers will refute the old adage that women cannot lead. This decision is the first in the history of Ethiopia and probably in Africa. “
He also confirmed that his reform process will continue to address the structural and strategic problems that led the country into chaos. In this sense, the role of women in the political transformation of the nation must be considered vital.
Indeed, as President Sahlework Zewde recently mentioned during his visit to the city of Harare, Ethiopia has put in place several strategies and programmers designed to enhance the active participation of women in the social, economic and political spheres. Ethiopia is on the right track in terms of enhancing women’s empowerment in multispectral fields.
Tsegereda Zewdu, is vice president of the Ethiopian Youth Federation. Speaking to The Ethiopian Herald, she said that the new political reform that allows women to assume political leadership is a good indication of how the government is instrumental in transforming the nation’s political system through the engagement of women. The last three reforms are a good indication in this regard. Women’s leadership in Ethiopia has reached a climax.
The reform has brought several women to power. This is an indication of how committed the system is to democratization and equal opportunities for women. This encourages women at the lower level of administration and encourages them to exert their energy for their nation.
This is a good initiative in Ethiopian politics. But it should not be limited to the top level of political administration. It should also include women at the lower level. Previous systems have prohibited women from actively participating in the political affairs of their nation.
When asked about the power of women in every way, Tsgereda said: “Women have a double responsibility. Their duty is not limited only to the home. They have the responsibility of raising their children and also other social responsibilities. in this sense, when they assume political office. Sometimes they would find it difficult to balance the two. For this reason, they are sometimes considered ineffective. The truth is that we are not. While the political ground is leveled, the system must also provide women an enabling environment in office. They should also be supported by their spouse. “
Woyneshet Zerihun, is the Deputy Commissioner for Investments of the City Administration of Addis Ababa. For her, the country’s political reform has demonstrated the commitment of the new government to the empowerment of women and is a good indicator of equal political opportunities.
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Due to various reasons, Ethiopian women did not have the opportunity to compete with their male counterparts. This could be an academic reason or a social factor. However, over time this trend has changed and women have proven their effectiveness.
“Following the political reform, several women have come to power and have proven themselves in their positions. The president and deputy mayors of the Addis Ababa city administration are a good indication. Despite all the responsibilities in At home, Ethiopian women are showing their potential in all sectors. “
Women are leaders by nature. She is a psychologist, economist and home manager. For this reason, if women have the opportunity to assume political leadership. There is nothing to stop you from contributing your part in the political and economic transition of your country.
The political reform of the nation is a good manifestation of this. Fifty percent of the cabinet is seated by women. These women are now showing off their political leadership skills. Given the opportunity, there is no way that women cannot perform better in political office.
