By: Goshu Melisew 

The Ethiopian Women's Development Organization (EWDO) underscored the importance of amplifying elderly people's voices and strengthening stakeholder engagement to ensure inclusive policy dialogue, advocacy, and decision-making in Ethiopia.

With financial and technical support from HelpAge International, EWDO officially launched the "Amplifying Elderly People's Voices and Strengthening Stakeholder Engagement" project in Addis Ababa.

The event brought together representatives from the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, the House of Peoples' Representatives, HelpAge Ethiopia, government institutions, civil society organizations, elderly people's associations, development partners, and other stakeholders committed to advancing the rights and well-being of elderly people in Ethiopia.

EWDO Founder and Executive Director Huluagerish Tazez said the project aims to amplify elderly people's voices in policy dialogue and decision-making. "Meaningful inclusion begins by listening to elderly people," she said.

A representative of the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to working with EWDO to strengthen policies and services for elderly people.

HelpAge Ethiopia Representative Amanuel Abraha reaffirmed his organization's commitment to partnering with EWDO to advance the rights of elderly people and support inclusive policies.

For her part, Abune Alem, Chairperson of the Media Sub-Committee under the House of Peoples' Representatives' Standing Committee on Democratic Institutions Affairs, called for stronger collaboration to support elderly people.

Through this initiative, EWDO aims to strengthen stakeholder engagement, promote inclusive policy dialogue, and advance the rights, participation, and dignity of elderly people across Ethiopia. The project reflects a shared commitment among partners to building a society where elderly people are respected, empowered, and actively involved in shaping the decisions that affect their lives.