Shifting political ground
Ethiopia lies at the centre of the Horn of Africa region that has experienced almost continuous conflict, religious fundamentalisms and environmental instability in recent decades. In 2018, after years of political unrest new Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed took office.
His new premiership has seen a host of sweeping reforms including the relaxing of law which allow rights-based organisations to operate and more freedoms for the press. Dr Abiy Ahmed has included women in his agenda, selecting the country’s first gender balanced cabinet and nominating the first woman to hold the post of . Despite this progress, huge challenges remain. Rising ethnic conflict across the country and recent assassinations of several high-level government officials shape a tense political landscape. The decision to postpone elections and the national census has been contentious. Restrictions on freedom of expression, murder and human rights violations, including the arrest of women’s rights activists, are reported.
Emboldened women’s movements in Ethiopia
For years legislation has restricted women’s rights organisations’ ability to mobilise and advocate for change. Recent changes in law present new opportunities for women’s rights organisations to advance the rights of women and girls. While this process will take time and challenges in freedom of expression remain, women’s rights organisations are seeing positive change and are able to start pushing the boundaries and share the lived realities of Ethiopia women. For example, partners like Ethiopian Women with Disabilities National Association (EWDNA) have been able to start advocating for the rights of women with disabilities.