The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) conducted a consultation forum on March 18, 2026, in Addis Ababa with stakeholders regarding the legal protections provided for women political party members, independent candidates and journalists within electoral contexts. The forum brought together women in politics, journalists and relevant stakeholders.
During the forum, issues concerning the protections granted to women during elections under international and continental human rights conventions, as well as under national legal frameworks were presented and discussed. Furthermore, issues regarding women’s right to equal participation with men in elections and public administration affairs were addressed, including the right to establish or join political parties, engage in election campaigning, participate in peaceful demonstrations and meetings, take part in debates and voice constructive criticism.
The discussion highlighted key achievements and areas of concern identified through EHRC’s monitoring of the sixth remaining and re-run national elections. It was emphasized that positive performances should be strengthened and identified concerns addressed to ensure the participation of women in the seventh national election on an equal basis and free from discrimination.
The discussion further highlighted that distorted perceptions regarding women’s leadership, economic dependency, gaps in educational background and access to information, as well as technology-based online attacks, are among the primary challenges hindering women from participating effectively in public administration.
Kibrealem Nigussie, Head of the Gender and Social Inclusion Department and Yeabsira Teferi, a Legal Affairs Expert at the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), briefed participants on the responsibilities and ethics expected from political party candidates, independent contestants and journalists during elections. They also detailed the legal and procedural reforms undertaken by the Board to ensure women’s participation, as well as the Board’s procedures for handling complaints and grievances.
Mekdes Amenu, Director of the Civil and Political Rights Department at the EHRC, highlighted the role of women in public administration and stated the importance of creating an enabling environment to ensure meaningful participation of women political leaders, members and media professionals in elections and public forums. She further called upon the government, political parties, the media and all relevant stakeholders to fulfill their respective responsibilities to ensure the equal participation of women in the seventh national election.