International Women's Day Celebrated
The 2016 International Women’s Day was celebrated at ECSU with variety of special events like panel discussion. Dr Worku Negash from ECSU`s School of Graduate Studies moderated the panel discussion held in connection with the day and Dr. Ambassader Genete Zwede, Engineer Azeb Asnake and W/ro Shitaye Astawes participated in the panel.
In his opening remark Professor Fekadu Beyene , President of Ethiopian Civil Service University said in order to materialize our renascence , women`s participation in every aspect is vital. Since more that 50 percent of the population in our country are female, it is not a matter of a good will to participate women in the country`s socioeconomic activities rather it is a matter of obligation. Individuals should pledge to move forward to commit themselves for practical actions to accelerate gender parity.
The panelists discussed what success means, what the parameters of being successful are, and whether only academic achievement can make someone successful. The first panelist Dr. Ambassader Genete Zwede speaks on political participation and being female. She said her political participation started since students` movement and she recalled that she was one of the organizing committee of the first March 8 Celebration forty one years ago. According to her the women affair is unfinished business. For the last Twenty Five years significant achievements have been made with regards to female participation in socioeconomic affairs of the country, but we need to do more, said Doctor Ambassador Genet.
Engineer Azeb Asnake, CEO of Ethiopian Electric Power said success is the condition that we achieve something by aspiring to reach somewhere not by restricting ourselves. In her time, the engineering careers are said to be male`s jobs. But I joined Addis Ababa University faculty of engineering and get my Degree. “I worked at Addis Ababa Water and Sewerage Authority at different levels and later transferred to the then EEPCo. I was shocked to be assigned to lead the biggest Hydro Electric Power Station, GibeIII, but I go for it. I had the mentality of I can do it and my family was on my side. So if you have a commitment to do something, you can do it but education is the basis for all", said Engineer Azeb.
The last panelist W/ro Shitaye Astawes talked about the double challenges of being women and being disabled person. She singled out what it means being a disable woman in our society. The challenge of being disabled person is very high. Access to building is one of the challenges which I faced frequently. According to W/ro Shitaye, contributing for the well-being of others is a success that I value most. She thanked her mother who paid the entire price for her success.
The event was organized by Center for Cross Cutting Issues Training and Consultancy, Gender and development Unit. And this year motto is Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step up for Gender Equality.