Ethiopia Presents Medemer Experience as a Pathway to Women’s Political Power, Inclusive Governance and Economic Transformation

Addis Ababa, November 5, 2026 (FMC) – Ethiopia has presented its experience in advancing women’s political representation and leadership through inclusive governance, highlighting progress in women’s participation in national decision-making as part of its broader development approach.

Speaking at the African Women in Political Leadership Summit in Addis Ababa, Minister of Women and Social Affairs Shewit Shanka outlined Ethiopia’s progress since 2018, noting that women currently hold 20 percent of cabinet positions and account for more than 40 percent of the House of Peoples’ Representatives.

She attributed the progress to political commitment, inclusive development and institutional action, presenting Ethiopia’s experience as an example of how deliberate political and institutional efforts can expand women’s role in governance.

The minister emphasized that women’s political empowerment must go beyond numerical representation to ensure meaningful participation in political party structures, leadership positions, candidate selection and policy formulation.

She stressed that women must be recognized as equal stakeholders and co-architects of national transformation, with the authority and opportunity to shape decisions and influence development priorities.

Shewit further connected women’s empowerment to Africa’s wider economic and democratic transformation, stating that investment in women contributes to economic transformation, democratic governance, social cohesion and sustainable development.

She argued that Africa cannot realize its full potential while women remain marginalized, emphasizing that women are producers, innovators, leaders and agents of peace and development rather than merely beneficiaries of assistance.

Against the backdrop of profound global changes, including geopolitical shifts, technological transformation, demographic changes, climate challenges and evolving economic relations, she underscored the need for visionary leadership, resilient institutions and collective action.

The minister called for an Africa in which women enjoy equal representation in political leadership, economic empowerment and institutional protection, and every girl can aspire to leadership, entrepreneurship, science and policymaking without gender-based barriers.

The African Women in Political Leadership Summit is being held alongside the Second African Political Parties Summit in Addis Ababa from November 5 to 7, under the theme “Governing for Growth: Political Parties as Architects of Africa’s Economic Future.”