On September 5, UNFPA Ethiopia and the Ministry of Planning and Development commemorated International World Population Day 2023. The theme of the event was "Unleashing the power of gender equality: Uplifting the voices of women and girls to unlock our world's infinite possibilities."
The event was attended by high government officials, representatives from UN agencies, diplomats, and civil society organizations.
H.E. Tirumar Abate, State Minister at the Ministry of Planning and Development, said in her opening statement that Ethiopia is committed to implementing the Addis Ababa Declaration on Population and Development (AADPD) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and that gender equality and women's empowerment are top priorities.
“Ethiopia is committed to dignity and equality, health, place mobility governance, data and statistics, and international cooperation and partnership,” she said.
The celebration was a reminder of the importance of empowering women and girls to ultimately benefit society as a whole. It was also a call to action for more inclusive policies and programs that address gender disparities, ensuring equal opportunities for everyone regardless of their gender.
On his part, the UNFPA Country Representative to Ethiopia, Mr. Koffi, stated that UNFPA is working in collaboration with the government of Ethiopia to strengthen the role of women and girls in society. He also said that uplifting the voices of women and girls is essential to unlocking our world's infinite possibilities. "Realising the rights and ensuring the choices of women and girls hold the key to a diverse and thriving world. This process starts by listening to the voices of women and girls and introducing laws and policies that enable them to exert their rights and make meaningful choices,” he said.
The event included remarks from the Ambassador of Denmark to Ethiopia, representing the diplomatic corps in Addis Ababa. The Ambassador expressed Denmark's commitment to supporting Ethiopia's efforts to achieve gender equality and women's empowerment.
A speaker from a Safe House for survivors of gender-based violence, supported by UNFPA and run by the Association for Women’s Sanctuary and Development (AWSAD), shared insights on the effects of violence and the importance of supporting and rehabilitating survivors. Seada Ahmed, a counselor, explained the traumatic experiences of women and girls when they first arrived at the safe house, as well as the various forms of psychological, legal, and social support provided to help them recover. ‘’The work is challenging, and more resources and support are needed to address this issue effectively,’’ she said.
The celebration also included a performance by the AK Family Dance Group. The dance portrayed the story of a woman in pain and isolation due to violence, emphasizing the healing power of community support and engagement.
World Population Day was an opportunity to advocate for gender equality and the need to empower women and girls to reach their full potential. The event concluded with a call to action to ensure that women and girls have equal access to opportunities and resources.
