Female Diplomats Praise Ethiopia’s Progressive Women’s Empowerment Laws

Female diplomats and UN representatives applauded Ethiopia’s progressive laws aimed at empowering women during the 2025 Safaricom Women First event. They emphasized the need for education, self-belief, and the active participation of women in societal development. Diplomatic representatives acknowledged ongoing governmental efforts while advocating for increased attention on women’s challenges in Ethiopia.

On March 18, 2025, in Addis Ababa, members of the diplomatic community and United Nations agencies praised Ethiopia for its progressive laws and policies aimed at empowering women. This commendation occurred during the 2025 Safaricom Women First 5km event, celebrating International Women’s Day, which took place on March 8. The diplomats underscored the necessity for meaningful inclusion of women in all developmental processes to achieve broader aspirations.

Margaret Atieno, Deputy Representative of UNHCR in Ethiopia, highlighted the crucial role of education in enabling women to seize available opportunities. Additionally, EU Ambassador to Ethiopia, Sofie From-Emmesberger, recognized the government’s proactive engagement in initiatives geared toward enhancing women’s roles. She noted that these initiatives not only seek to improve women’s societal status but also aim to foster positive outcomes within the community.

Ambassador Emmesberger called for women to take an active role in their own empowerment, acknowledging that Ethiopia still lags in women’s participation across various sectors. Moreover, Deputy Representative of UNICEF in Ethiopia, Mariko Kagoshima, commended the government’s efforts to empower citizens and enhance capacities, declaring these initiatives promising. She emphasized the need for sustained efforts moving forward.

Kagoshima further stressed the significance of self-belief among women, affirming that having confidence in their abilities is vital for achieving personal aspirations. While acknowledging the value of external support, she pointed out that internal conviction ultimately empowers women in realizing their goals.

Vanessa Prinz, a diplomat at the German Embassy in Ethiopia, reflected on her experiences over the past two years. She observed the government’s commitment to promoting and safeguarding women’s rights, suggesting that combining self-empowerment with external support creates a strong foundation for women’s success. Prinz also expressed optimism that the challenges faced by women in Ethiopia will receive necessary attention.

In conclusion, the commendations by female diplomats on Ethiopia’s progressive legislation for women’s empowerment underscore the essential role of education, self-belief, and an active inclusion of women in societal initiatives. The collaboration between governmental efforts and internal confidence is pivotal for achieving substantial progress in women’s rights and participation within the country. Continued support and focus on these areas will be instrumental in fostering a more inclusive society.

Original Source: www.ena.et