HeForShe Movement Launched in Ethiopia

The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia officially launched the HeforShe Movement in Ethiopia at the Capital Hotel in Addis Ababa. Under the leadership of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs (MOWCA) and in close collaboration and partnership with the UN Women Ethiopia Office and the UN Gender Theme Group. 

The colorful event was attended by Senior Government Officials, Diplomats, the UN Resident Coordinator, the UN Country Team Heads of Agencies, and Representatives from the Civil Society Organizations, Representatives from the Private Sector, Representatives from Universities and the Academia, Religious and Community Leaders and the Media. 

His Excellency the Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Mr. Hailemariam Desalegn officially launched the HeforShe in a very passionate and moving video message. In his message, the Prime Minister called all Ethiopian man to stand up for gender equality and “shield and protect (women) from violence”. He further went on to state that “Ethiopian Women’s issue is our issue….” He called for all “to stand up for the respect of Women’s rights and interests… (to) collaborate and work with women to ensure that they have the right to exercise, with all fairness and as anyone else with equal opportunities… to put efforts to safeguard and promote women empowerment.….”. 

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Women and Children Affairs, H.E Mme Zenebu Tadesse, the State Minister, H.E Mme. Alemitu Oumt opened the ceremony with a clear and strong message that “boys and men involvement is essential for gender equality” and as a country “We can show progress and advancement in many sectors; but unless we end gender-based discrimination and violence, we can never become a great nation.” 

The HeforShe launch leaned towards a family gathering ambiance, and the essence of family units resonated through in the Prime Minister’s address and that of the UN Women representative speech. H. E, P.M Mr. Desalegn reminded his fellow men that, as he has a beloved wife and three daughters, they too “have mothers, wives, daughters and sisters. Therefore, with the knowledge and belief that our women are the core body of our society, it is up to us to make sure that women have full support and full involvement of men to respect their equal rights”. 

Mme Letty, the UN Women Representative of Ethiopia to the AU and UNECA introduced the HeforShe Campaign by also introducing her family who were in the audience. She shared some very moving and touching personal anecdotes in a heartfelt speech which the audience could relate to and highly appreciated. She emphasized that the launch was only the beginning of a “social movement which will change the landscape of gender equality in Ethiopia” and pledged that “we still have a lot of work to accomplish…through the HeForShe movement. We will work together with the Government and the private sector, as well as religious councils and the youth to bring men and boys to the table…and we will bring this movement to all the Regions of Ethiopia. We will engage the youth and particularly young men and communities to create a generation where Gender inequality will be history”. 

Artists were also moved by the HeForShe call and contributed their time and talent to the call. Monica Manaker, an Argentinian born Israeli wrote a theme song entitled “HeForShe, SheforHim” which she performed during the launch. She sang while playing the guitar “it's time to build, It's time to begin to unify our dreams, to raise the voice of equality, move your soul into the lead, Only together can we shape the path , Only together can we share love”. The song was translated into Amharic by the author and Artist Azeb Worku Sibanei and spoken in Amharic with the voice of a man, to call for unity and solidarity to women. Wassi and Woah two young HeForShe male artist also wrote and performed a song dedicated to women. The song, entitled “Kena Beyi” meaning keep your head up called for women to stand up for themselves and not despair when times may be hard. The event was closed by Melaku Belay, well-known Ethiopian traditional dancer and the EthioColor band who performed in honor of women. 

For more information on Ethiopia HeforShe Movement Contact: UN Women Ethiopia at ethiopia.unwomen@unwomen.org and MOWCA: Mr. Abiy Ephrem Director of the of public relations directorate of the ministry of women and children Affairs of Ethiopia: abiyprd@gmail.com 

http://www.heforshe.org/