Statement by Women Ambassadors in Ethiopia on the occasion of International Women’s Day 2021

09.03.2021

On International Women's Day, we come together to celebrate and acknowledge the vital role that women leaders in Ethiopia, Africa and around the world continue to play in many sectors and in particular during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While women and girls are the most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, women everywhere have stepped up to respond to the challenges of COVID-19.

We are proud of the contribution women are making on the front line of the pandemic response as healthcare workers, carers, researchers, educators; as policy makers, in government, community organisations and businesses. Women are saving lives, helping to keep our communities safe and shaping the recovery. Women’s leadership, in these most difficult of circumstances, is critical. We thank all women for their service to humanity.

We also remember and pay tribute to the women who have lost their lives serving their communities and caring for others during the pandemic.

On this day, we also recognise that there is still more to do to address gender inequality. We all have a part to play in empowering women, increasing women’s political, economic and social participation, eliminating gender-based violence and building a more inclusive world for all.

Happy International Women’s Day. Celebrate women's achievements and their potential. Raise awareness against bias. Take action for equality.

H.E Birgitte Markussen, Ambassador of EU to the AU

H.E. Outi Holopainen, Ambassador of Finland

H.E. Jainaba Jange, Ambassador of Gambia

H.E. Nicola Brennan, Ambassador of Ireland

H.E. Ito Takako, Ambassador of Japan

H.E. Nezha Alaoui M’hammdi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco

H.E. Emilia Ndinelao Mkusa, Ambassador of Namibia

H.E. Helena Malcata, Ambassador of Portugal

H.E. Yaprak Alp, Ambassador of Turkey

H.E. Jessica Lapen, Ambassador of United States of America to the AU

H.E. Olivia Owen, Chargée d’Affairs, Embassy of New Zealand