Female diplomats commended Ethiopia’s progressive laws aimed at empowering women during the Safaricom Women First 5km event. Key leaders emphasized the necessity of education, self-belief, and women’s active participation to achieve broader societal benefits, while acknowledging that more work is needed to ensure women’s contributions across all sectors.
On March 18, 2025, in Addis Ababa, representatives from the diplomatic community and United Nations agencies praised Ethiopia for its forward-thinking laws aimed at empowering women. Their commendations were expressed during the 2025 Safaricom Women First 5km event, which celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8.
The female diplomats highlighted the necessity of involving women actively and meaningfully in all developmental stages to achieve national aspirations. Margaret Atieno, Deputy Representative of UNHCR in Ethiopia, noted that education for women is crucial to help them maximize available opportunities.
Sofie From-Emmesberger, the EU Ambassador to Ethiopia, recognized the government’s ongoing initiatives to enhance women’s status and opportunities. She emphasized that these endeavors aim not only to uplift women but also to positively influence the broader community.
Ambassador Emmesberger urged that women must take an integral role in the processes that lead to transformative changes, pointing out that Ethiopia still has much ground to cover regarding women’s contributions in various sectors.
Mariko Kagoshima, Deputy Representative of UNICEF in Ethiopia, commended government efforts to empower citizens, while stressing the importance of continuity in these initiatives. She highlighted that self-belief among women is paramount for achieving personal aspirations and goals.
Kagoshima articulated that while external support is essential, internal confidence is the key to unlocking women’s potential. Vanessa Prinz, a diplomat at the German Embassy, shared her experience, expressing optimism regarding governmental initiatives designed to promote women’s rights and stating that combined self-empowerment with support from the government will create a solid framework for success.
In summary, Ethiopia’s progressive legal framework to empower women has garnered significant recognition from the diplomatic community. The emphasis on education, self-belief, and active participation of women in societal roles is crucial for the ongoing development. The collaborative efforts between the government and female leaders provide optimism for future advancements in women’s rights and contributions throughout Ethiopia.
Original Source: www.ena.et
