A country cannot succeed if half its people are treated as second-class citizens.
And as Ethiopians helping Ethiopians, we understand the deep-rooted cultural and religious beliefs of the country that have to be addressed before women and girls can gain equal rights and opportunities.
We create opportunities for women to be involved in household decision-making. To play key roles in generating income for their families. And to hold roles of power—on woreda (district) boards, in government seats and in community decision-making processes.
OUR OBJECTIVES
Our main goal in gender equity and women empowerment is improving the economic, social and political position of women.
Our specific objectives include:
- Equal access to basic assets such as land and livestock.
- Women participating in household-level decisions.
- Employment of women in non-agricultural sectors.
- Equal access to education for women.
- Making communities aware of the roles and rights of women and girls, and mobilizing those communities to fight violations against women’s and girls’ rights.
- Advocacy of women that includes equal representation in parliament, local administration, law enforcement agencies, lawmaking bodies and other government organizations.
- Fighting against marginalization of women, and elimination of harmful traditional practices, such as female genital mutilation, early marriage, abduction and rape.
- Women developing leadership and managerial skills to increase their employability.
- Women taking an active role in generating household income.
- Equal access to services for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of HIV/AIDS.
Our stakeholders are:
- Community rights groups
- Women and youth associations
- Community based organizations such as cooperatives and informal community groups
- Religious institutions and religious leaders
- Professional associations such as teachers, lawyers, doctors, nurses, journalists, sociologists
- Student unions and school clubs
- Community elders
- Health extension workers