Addis Ababa University Women’s, Youth’s and Children’s Affairs Office Celebrated Women’s Day under the theme “Women’s leadership is a bridge for Sustainable Development in Ethiopia” on January 17, 2020 at Nelson Mandela Hall.

The event intends to build and elevate female student’s outlook and cope with existing challenges in the university and creating awareness on issues related to gender equality, build capacity for all the university students.

Dr. Takele Mered, Director of Institute of Ethiopian Studies, in his welcoming speech noted that countries over the world understood that women are the symbol of strength and without active participation of women it is impossible to ensure prosperity and development. He went on saying Ethiopia has started implementing gender parity in social and political fields.

W/ro Matebe Tarekegn , Director of Addis Ababa University Women’s, Youth’s and Children’s Affairs, in her part said that the university is working to increase number of women lecturers and set proposal to hire competent women post graduates in all schools.  From 2011/19 graduates the university hired 51 women graduates as a lecturer who have good academic performance.

The session also featured panel discussion presented by Frehiwot Girma Senior Electrical Engineer, entitled Women and Science: Trends, Opportunities and Challenges, Mr. Mesfin Getachew on Harassment in Higher Education and its legal Aspects and Dr. Workeabeba Abebe, Pediatrician, on Women Health in Ethiopia.

The event also featured discussion sessions, reflections and concluded with awarding 90 second year students of outstanding performance of which 71 are females.

The award is book which is authored by Prime Mnister Abiy Ahmed ‘Medemer’ and mobile apparatus. The award is intended to motivate students.

 Delegate of UNICCO, University vice presidents, students and Administrative staffs attended the program.