ECSU Marked International Women's Day
Ethiopian Civil Service University have jointly marked the International Women's Day (March 8) with Yeka sub-city on March 14, 2012 at the University's Abai Hall with various assortments for the 36th time under the theme "Women's organized empowerment and benefit shall be ensured through the accomplishment of the GTP."
In the occasion the university president Dr. Hailemichael Abera, vice president Dr. Mekonnen Jemaneh, W/ro Amarech Tasew, Members of the House of Peoples Representatives, W/ro Negisti Gebru, Yeka sub-city Women's, Children and Youth representative, ECSU employees, Yeka sub-city people and students of the University were in attendance.
In her welcoming speech W/ro Abay Akemachew, Director of Center for Gender and Development noted that this year International Women's Day is celebrated for the 101st time in the world and for the 36th time in Ethiopia. International Women's Day is dedicated to the struggle of 15,000 American women who raised their banners for equal footing with men. She said the women raised questions like equal pay for equal work, the right to vote, shorter work hours, and an end to child labor exploitation.
She added following the declaration of the Socialist Party of America, the first ever National Woman's Day was celebrated in the United States on 28 February 1909. Women continued to celebrate it on the last Sunday of that month through 1913.
W/ro Abay also said
" we are celebrating International Women's Day based on three basic goals: respect for women's human and democratic right, honor those women who contributed a lot in aspects of political, economic, and social life, weigh up the opportunities and challenges in regards to gender equality as well as to put a future plan in place."
Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Hailemichael Aberra, President of the University thanked Yeka sub-city for celebrating this great event with the university. He then said while we are marking March 8 it reminds us those dedicated women who scarified their precious life for the betterment of our live. He also pointed out that currently in Ethiopia, economic empowerment and the equality of women ensured in the national constitution and as a result they registered remarkable results in social and economic activities.
Dr. Hailemichael also said the university has previously provided support to Yeka sub city unemployed youth. He added the university will have a discussion with Yeka sub- city in the near future on the areas of cooperation.
W/ro Amarech Tasew, Members of the House of Peoples Representatives, also shared her work and life experience to the participants. She said that the role of women was indispensable to the success of the struggle in the fight against the Derg regime. We have a democratic and developmental government. Therefore, as we have opportunity, we must work for the best of all, to bring change in the country and repeat the success that we achieved in the struggle.
The variety of songs, poems and competition among the participants made the occasion more enjoyable.