The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia holds two consecutive forums on International anti Gender Violence and Disability Day

The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia has held two consecutive events this week on inclusion and gender mainstreaming. The Consultative Forum held on Thursday, December 10, 2020, marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Representatives of various parties and civil societies have participated on it. The opening remark was made by Woubshet Ayele, member of the Board`s management. Cherer Aklilu, Electoral and Gender Consultant, and Hibret Abahoi, representative of the Union of Ethiopian Women's Associations, presented articles on sexual assault from a global perspective, and the nature of sexual harassment during election cycle was highlighted. On the paper presented, a discussion was held under the leadership of the presenters and Bizuwork Ketete, a member of the Board of Directors of NEBE. Various questions were also raised from the participants.

Today's second forum has marked the International Disability Day. Ideas for discussion were presented by Bizuwork Ketete and invited guests like Dr. Abera Degefa. Participants of the forum detailed the problems they had faced during the previous elections and provided suggestions on how to make the next election more accessible to people with disabilities.

During the two-day consultative forum, Bizuwork, a member of the Board of Directors, said that the Board's legislative reforms focused on increasing women's participation and creating opportunities for people with disabilities. She explained that the directive included suggestions from various forums that were not included in the proclamation. It is stated that the revised proclamation is being finalized in audio and braille. She also promised that the Board will provide various trainings to those involved in the election process and similar forums will be organized in the future.

National Electoral Board of Ethiopia