Female diplomats praised Ethiopia’s progressive laws aimed at empowering women during the 2025 Safaricom Women First 5km event. They highlighted the importance of education, active participation, and self-belief among women. Despite current advancements, further engagement from women in various sectors is necessary to achieve equality and empowerment.
On March 18, 2025, representatives from the diplomatic community and United Nations agencies lauded Ethiopia for its progressive laws aimed at empowering women. This commendation occurred during the 2025 Safaricom Women First 5km event in Addis Ababa, commemorating International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8. The diplomats highlighted the necessity of substantial inclusion of women in all developmental processes to fulfill the nation’s aspirations.
Margaret Atieno, Deputy Representative of UNHCR in Ethiopia, stressed the crucial role of education in enabling women to exploit available opportunities effectively. Meanwhile, Sofie From-Emmesberger, the EU Ambassador to Ethiopia, recognized the government’s commitment to initiatives fostering women’s empowerment. She articulated that such efforts not only improve women’s societal status but also cultivate broader communal benefits.
Ambassador Emmesberger further urged for enhanced women’s participation in transformative processes, acknowledging that Ethiopia still has strides to make regarding women’s contributions across various sectors. Mariko Kagoshima, UNICEF’s Deputy Representative in Ethiopia, acknowledged efforts by the government to empower citizens, labeling these initiatives as promising, and called for their continuation.
Kagoshima emphasized self-belief among women, stating that having confidence in their own capabilities is vital for realizing personal ambitions. While external support is beneficial, it is the cultivation of internal conviction that empowers women. Vanessa Prinz, a diplomat at the German Embassy, confirmed that the Ethiopian government designs initiatives that promote and safeguard women’s rights, believing this comprehensive support framework can significantly aid women’s success in overcoming challenges.
The recent commendation by female diplomats regarding Ethiopia’s progressive framework for women’s empowerment highlights the importance of education, active participation, and self-belief among women. Despite notable efforts from the government and the international community, there remains a need for increased engagement from women in various sectors. Ultimately, a combination of external support and internal empowerment is essential for fostering successful outcomes in women’s contributions to society.
Original Source: www.ena.et
