Commissioner, held discussion with Representative of UNWOMEN/Ethiopia Country Office!
Commissioner H.E. Ambassador Teshome Toga, held discussion with Ms. Lecile Mukarubuga Representative of UNWOMEN/Ethiopia Country Office and Mr. Schadrack Dusale Deputy Representative, on Thursday 21st September, 2023 at his good office, where he clarified on the Commission mandate, the DDR program objectives, the commission activities since its establishment in November 2022, the challenges so far, partnership and cooperation both at local and international level. Reminding the meaningful number of women among the former combatants, H.E. Ambassador Teshome Toga, stressed on the role UNWOMEN play through integrating its projects with the DDR programs. The delay over the delivery of the services of the program and the urgency from the former combatants, H.E. Ambassador Teshome Toga, high lighted on a rising question of the sincerity of the peace dividend, to which, he pointed on the need of resources for a successful DDR program. Ms. Lecile Mukarubuga, on her part, reaffirmed the support to former combatants to see the pace dividend. She said, recently UNWOMEN opened an office in Tigray and met authorities at the women office. Ms. Lecile further stated UNWOMEN, is establishing a Women Opportunity Center targeted supporting women former combatants through economic empowerment from employment opportunities and business related projects. The project proposal is under way in collaboration with IOM and Ms. Lecile promised to share it with the commission when it is done. As well, Ms. Lecile explained about UNWOMEN engagement with both local and international private sector to which Ambassador Teshome Toga urged the job creation and small business opportunities access to women. Finalizing the discussion, Ambassador Teshome Toga encouraged UNWOMEN active participation in the joint NRC, UNCT and Government Ministries monthly meeting.
