Ethiopian Review

Addis Ababa, (Walta) – The Efforts Ethiopia is making to ensure rights of women and children are exemplary to other African countries, Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women with the African Union said.

The Special Rapporteur Soyata MAIGA met and held discussion with Ethiopian Minister of Women’s Affair, Muferihat Kamil.

MAIGA during the discussion stated that she had learnt that women in Ethiopia are practically benefiting from the efforts the government is making to resolve political and socio-economic problems of women.

The Special Rapporteur further said that she has witnessed during her stay here that Ethiopian government has been engaged in activities meant to ensure benefits of women and children in education, health and justice sectors.

The efforts women are making to become economically self supportive through engaging in micro and small scale businesses is exemplary for others, she said, and underlined that the activities being carried out to empower at various levels are also promising.

MAIGA cited the decision the government has taken to provide women with better opportunity through the ongoing housing development projects as well as the effort being exerted to ensure children’s education right as success stories others could draw lesson form.

The special Rapporteur, who had the chance to meet parliamentarians, leaders of religious institutions, governmental and non governmental organizations, appreciated the commitment the government is showing to entertain issues of women and children.

Minister of Women’s Affairs, Muferihat Kamil for her part said that women and children were denied of their rights during previous regimes, however, conducive situations through which these sections of the society could enjoy their rights have been realized.

The Ethiopian government is working to ensure the rights of women and children, Muferihat said, adding that the necessary support is being provided so that women could get organized and claim their rights.

Making extra efforts to capitalize on the achievements scored so far is the prime duty of the government, she noted, and added that successive activities would be carried out through organizing all stakeholders.