Yared Hailemariam, the Executive Director of the Ethiopian Human Rights Defender Center, opened the event.
Yared outlined the importance of addressing TFGBV and lessening it’s impacts, and protecting human rights defenders in Ethiopia.
On 9 May 2024, the Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Centre, the Ethiopian Women’s Human Rights Defenders Network and CIR held a conference in Addis Ababa to raise awareness about TFGBV in Ethiopia. This event sought to raise awareness and showcase the amazing work that Ethiopian organisations are already doing.
There were several components to the event, including the launch of CIR’s research findings, a call to action led by EHRDC, an expert panel discussion and an exhibition of incredible projects that are already ongoing.
Yared Hailemariam, the Executive Director of the Ethiopian Human Rights Defender Center, opened the event.
Yared outlined the importance of addressing TFGBV and lessening it’s impacts, and protecting human rights defenders in Ethiopia.
CIR’s research on TFGBV in Ethiopia was presented by Fasika Tadesse and Felicity Mulford, followed by a Q&A session.
The CIR team hope that this research will provide data needed for evidence-based advocacy and bring attention to the issue of TFGBV in Ethiopia.
Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Centre, the Ethiopian Women’s Human Rights Defenders Network presented their draft ‘Call to Action’, seeking action on many of the recommendations raised by the community, to address TFGBV in Ethiopia.
Panellists Maya Misikir, Tekrim Ahmed, Betelehem Akalework and Kalkidan Tesfaye discussed the personal and professional implications of TFGBV.
This lively discussion raised several important topics, including the need to provide women and girls with effective digital security training, but also the need to address the root causes.
The exhibition raised awareness about women’s rights, TFGBV, digital safety, and hate speech.
Ethiopian Civil Society Organisations working on these topics were invited to participate in the exhibition and showcase their work.
Through the exhibition, CIR hoped to instil optimism, show solidarity, and signal that TFGBV is an issue that should be addressed.