Ethiopian female diplomats and UN officials praised the country’s progressive laws for empowering women during an event commemorating International Women’s Day. They emphasized the importance of women’s education, inclusion in development, and self-belief. Ongoing governmental initiatives were recognized as essential to enhancing women’s roles and contributions in society.
On March 18, 2025, representatives from the diplomatic community and United Nations agencies praised Ethiopia for its progressive laws that empower women. Their commendation occurred during the 2025 Safaricom Women First 5km event in Addis Ababa, coinciding with International Women’s Day celebrations on March 8. The diplomats underscored the necessity of meaningful women’s inclusion at all levels to fulfill development goals.
Margaret Atieno, Deputy Representative of UNHCR in Ethiopia, highlighted education’s critical role in enabling women to maximize their opportunities. EU Ambassador to Ethiopia, Sofie From-Emmesberger, lauded the government’s proactive initiatives aimed at enhancing women’s status, noting the broader positive community impacts these efforts could generate. She urged women to participate significantly in this transformative journey while acknowledging that Ethiopia still lags in women’s contributions across sectors.
Deputy Representative of UNICEF in Ethiopia, Mariko Kagoshima, recognized the government’s efforts to empower and build capacity among citizens, emphasizing the importance of sustaining these initiatives. She further asserted that cultivating self-belief among women is vital for realizing personal goals, as internal confidence complements external support from governments and stakeholders.
Vanessa Prinz, a diplomat at the German Embassy in Ethiopia, shared her observation that the Ethiopian government has designed initiatives to protect and promote women’s rights. She echoed the sentiment that a combination of self-empowerment with external support provides a solid framework for women’s success, expressing hope that challenges faced by women will receive significant attention moving forward.
Ethiopia’s progressive laws aimed at women’s empowerment have received commendation from female diplomats and UN representatives. They emphasize the importance of women’s inclusion in development, the critical role of education, and the necessity for sustained efforts. Self-belief and active participation of women, coupled with governmental support, are essential for overcoming existing challenges and achieving greater contributions across all sectors of society.
Original Source: www.ena.et
