Older Persons’ Rights Project Launched to Boost Policy Engagement, Inclusive Participation

Addis Ababa, August 4, 2026 (FMC) — A new project aimed at amplifying the voices of older persons and strengthening stakeholder engagement on issues affecting their rights and well-being was launched in Addis Ababa on Tuesday.

The initiative, titled “Amplifying Older People’s Voices and Strengthening Stakeholder Engagement,” is being implemented by the Ethiopian Women’s Development Organization (EWDO) with financial and technical support from HelpAge International.

The launch brought together representatives from the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, the House of Peoples’ Representatives, HelpAge Ethiopia, government institutions, civil society organizations, older persons’ associations, development partners, and other stakeholders working on issues related to older persons.

Speaking at the event, EWDO Founder and Executive Director Huluagerish Tazez said the project seeks to ensure that older persons are meaningfully represented in policy dialogue, advocacy, and decision-making processes. She noted that the initiative will place particular emphasis on increasing the participation of older women and older persons with disabilities while fostering stronger collaboration among key stakeholders.

A representative of the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs said safeguarding the rights, dignity, and well-being of older persons requires collective action, reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to working with EWDO and development partners to strengthen policy frameworks and improve services that enable older persons to live with dignity and actively participate in society.

HelpAge Ethiopia Representative Amanuel Abraha said the organization remains committed to supporting the initiative through its partnership with EWDO. He underscored the importance of strengthening policy and advocacy efforts to address the challenges facing older persons and reiterated HelpAge’s support for promoting healthy ageing, inclusion, and the protection of older persons’ rights.

Addressing the closing session, Ms. Abune Alem, Chairperson of the Media Sub-Committee under the Standing Committee on Democratic Institutions Affairs of the House of Peoples’ Representatives, called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, civil society organizations, development partners, and communities, noting that the concerns of older persons require coordinated and sustained action rather than the efforts of a single institution.

According to EWDO, the project is expected to strengthen stakeholder engagement, promote policy dialogue, and advance the rights, participation, and dignity of older persons across Ethiopia.