ADDIS ABABA – Girls’ courage and bravery in Ethiopia and how they want to see a brighter future where they have access to equal opportunities is inspiring, says Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel laureate and human rights advocate for the education of women and UN Messenger of Peace.
In an exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald Malala elucidated “Everything seems to be very positive in Ethiopia because the Prime Minister, the President, and the education minister are very passionate about girls’ education and women empowerment.”
During her stay in Ethiopia, Malala said she had discussed with FDRE President Sahlework Zewde, Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed and Minister of Education. Her meetings mainly focused on issues revolving around girls’ education, women empowerment and other related issues with the aforesaid officials, she elaborated.
“I had constructive conversations with them concerning what the status of education right now in Ethiopia is like, what the government is doing, what policies are practically applied here and other related aspects.”
She had discussed a broad array of issues with girls and activists attaching significance to girls’ education and the best way for her to undertake many activities in Ethiopia. She would like to promote girls’ education all over the country and make girls’ education accessible across the nation.
She went on saying, “Malala Fund is generating a more equal world by reaching out the unreached girls as much as possible. I would like to do the same here in Ethiopia to help girls not to drop out of schools and not wholly immerse themselves in household chores.”
Malala further reiterated that government officials, local activists, international organizations, parents and girls have a role to play to raise public awareness about the significance of education.
“Educating girls is educating society and changing the nation. They do not have to be forced to early marriage. I think together we can make sure that all girls in Ethiopia can get access to education. When I come again, I hope there will be zero girls out of school and no girls getting married before the age of eighteen,” she noted.
The Ethiopian Herald July 27/2019
BY ADDISALEM MULAT