UN Hosts HighLevel Dialogue on Women and Girls’ Access to Justice in Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — A high level policy dialogue on Access to Justice for Women and Girls in Ethiopia was held today at the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Conference Center, bringing together senior government officials, UN leadership, justice sector institutions, and civil society organizations to advance commitments toward gender-responsive justice services.

The event featured powerful opening remarks from distinguished speakers, including Ms. Jennet Kem, UN Women Country Representative; Dr. Ozonnia Ojielo, Assistant Secretary-General and UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator; H.E. Dr. Ergogie Tesfaye, Minister of Women and Social Affairs; and H.E. Dr. Ermiyas Yemanebirhan, State Minister of Justice. The speakers emphasized the urgent need to strengthen legal protection, improve justice service delivery, and remove systemic barriers that prevent women and girls from accessing justice in ethiopia.

H.E. Dr. Ergogie Tesfaye, Minister of Women and Social Affairs, delivering opening remarks during the High-Level Dialogue on Access to Justice for Women and Girls in Ethiopia at the UNECA Conference Center.

Civil society organizations played an active role in the dialogue, including the Ethiopian Network of Women’s Shelters (ENWS) member organizations Directors and staffs, alongside community-based organizations (CBOs) and national and international justice and legal institutions. The strong presence of civil society highlighted the importance of survivor-centered and community-led approaches in addressing violence against women and girls and ensuring equitable justice outcomes.

The dialogue also included an engaging and interactive panel discussion with high-level representatives from key institutions, including federal judges, the Ministry of Justice, the Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association (EWLA), the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC), and CARE Ethiopia. Panelists shared insights on current justice system challenges, progress made, and practical solutions to improve access to legal aid, court services, protection mechanisms, and survivor support systems.

Participants attending the High-Level Dialogue on Access to Justice for Women and Girls in Ethiopia performing/singing the International Women’s Day Anthem at the UNECA Conference Center.

In addition, an exhibition and networking session on “Women’s Access to Justice” was organized as part of the event. ENWS member organizations, including Mother and Children Rehabilitation Center (MCRC) and the Association for Women’s Sanctuary and Development (AWSAD), showcased their achievements in vocational training programs and survivor empowerment initiatives. The exhibition also featured participation from other national and international organizations working in the areas of justice, legal aid, gender equality, and women’s empowerment, creating a valuable platform for networking, collaboration, and experience sharing.

Mother and Children Rehabilitation Center (MCRC) showcasing survivor empowerment and vocational training

The event concluded with closing remarks delivered by Ms. Abibatou Wane, Chief of Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Ethiopia, who reaffirmed the importance of continued collaboration among UN agencies, government institutions, and civil society partners to strengthen justice systems and ensure inclusive access for all women and girls.

The Ethiopian Network of Women’s Shelters (ENWS) remains committed to supporting national and international efforts to improve women’s access to justice through survivor centered protection services, advocacy, and strategic partnerships.