Economic Empowerment
Ethiopian women are increasing their footprint across the country, in business and especially in technological innovation. In April, a new initiative was launched by leading African telecom operator MTN that aimed to bolster women's participation in the technology sphere of the country and region.
They teamed up with Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia and presented awards to female innovators and entrepreneurs. It is part of an overall effort in the country to increase women's participation and empowerment in non-traditional areas.
It has been well received by young Ethiopian female university students who have told Bikyanews.com they are excited about the increasing opportunities available to women in the country.
"It is very exciting to watch and see how business and technology are changing the landscape here in Ethiopia," university student Mariam Emete told Bikyanews.com. "I want to start designing my own apps and creating women friendly businesses. It is a great time for Ethiopia."
The two partners will reward top business ideas and inventions by women.
They said in a press statement that "the women will get scholarships to attend the University of South Africa (UNISA) for business-related courses while Samsung and other firms in the country will also help females with IT software and hardware tools and education."
On International Women's Day in March, the African Union celebrated the day with the AU Commission (AUC) Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma calling for more work towards the empowerment of women in Africa.
"The emancipation of women is a responsibility for all humanity," she said during the commemoration of the day at the African Union Headquarters attended by AU representatives, the international community, civil society, private sector and AU staff.
Dlamini-Zuma invited guests to exchange views on the theme selected by the AU for the occasion: "Vision of the African Women on Pan Africanism and Renaissance."
Adina and her group of friends said they gathered together to watch the events throughout the world, saying it was inspiring to see that women can and are mobilizing toward creating greater change for women's rights and empowerment.
"It is special to see women come together to speak for what is right. I know that I can be that person in the future and to watch the great speeches everywhere, I feel proud to be a woman," she added.