By: Goshu Melisew
Ethiopian women’s organizations emphasized that concerted efforts among all stakeholders are imperative to prevent gender-based violence at all levels in Ethiopia.
With financial support from the Network of Ethiopian Women’s Associations (NEWA) and through joint coordination, the Ethiopian Women’s Development Organization (EWDO) conducted a workshop and organized the 34th International and 20th National Anti-Gender-Based Violence Campaign under the theme, “Let My Sister Live a Dignified Life and Thrive for Her Dream.”
The Ethiopian Women’s Development Organization, together with the Addis Ababa City Administration School Directors and Teachers Association, gender focal persons from the 11 sub-cities, students, and other education stakeholders, held a consultative discussion on ways to prevent gender-based violence in schools.
Huluagersh Tazez, Executive Directress of the Ethiopian Women’s Development Organization, delivered a welcome message, emphasizing that ending gender-based violence requires concerted efforts.
The program manager of the Network of Ethiopian Women’s Associations (NEWA), in her keynote speech, called on all stakeholders to cooperate in tackling GBV at the grassroots level and highlighted the significant role of school in preventing GBV.
Dinkaleme Tolosa, president of the Addis Ababa Teachers Association, stressed that schools play a crucial role in fighting gender-based violence and mentioned the importance of the collaborative action of the school community.
Meron Aragaw, Gender, Youth, and Inclusion Advisor at Engender Health, presented on the types and root causes of gender-based violence in schools, societal perceptions, relevant research findings, and recommended solutions and actions.
Eyerus Bizuneh, Gender Officer at the Addis Ababa City Teachers Association, explained that the Ministry of Education has prepared guidelines that are currently being implemented to prevent gender-based violence in schools.
A broad discussion followed among participants on the impacts of gender-based violence. Finally, all participants pledged their commitment to translating the GBV protection guidelines into concrete actions.
