Medemer Advances Women’s Role in Ethiopia’s National Transformation: Minister
Addis Ababa, November 5, 2026 (FMC) – Ethiopia’s Medemer philosophy is strengthening women’s participation in political leadership and national development by promoting their involvement in decision-making and economic activities, Minister of Culture and Tourism Selamawit Kassa said.
Speaking at the African Women Political Leadership Forum 2026, held on the sidelines of the Second African Political Parties Summit in Addis Ababa, the Minister said Medemer is grounded in collective participation, cooperation and the contribution of all citizens to shared national development goals.
“The strength of our society is determined not by the contribution of a few, but also the contribution of the whole,” she said, underscoring the importance of harnessing the capabilities of all members of society in national transformation.
Selamawit said women’s empowerment extends beyond gender equality, encompassing social justice, national productivity and democratic governance. It also requires ensuring that women have an equal voice in decisions that shape society.
She explained that Medemer, articulated by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, is based on synergy, cooperation and collective progress, bringing together the potential of citizens to advance common national objectives.
Empowering women, she stressed, does not mean taking opportunities away from men; rather, it means combining the capabilities and contributions of both to advance national development.
The Minister noted that despite their substantial contributions to families, communities, cultural preservation and national heritage, women have not always had commensurate participation in decision-making.
She emphasized that meaningful empowerment must extend beyond political representation to enable women to influence decisions, shape policies, access and control resources, engage in economic activities and determine their own futures.
Reflecting on developments since the reform, Selamawit said women have secured significant representation in the House of Peoples’ Representatives, the federal cabinet and government leadership structures at different levels.
She also cited the growing participation of women in the Prosperity Party as an indication of their engagement in political leadership and decision-making.
However, she emphasized that representation must translate into substantive influence over decisions concerning national security, infrastructure, education, social development, technology and digital transformation.
The Minister further stressed the need to link women’s empowerment directly with economic transformation, recognizing women not merely as recipients of social protection but as productive economic actors, investors, entrepreneurs, innovators and owners of capital.
She identified education and access to technology as essential foundations for nurturing future women leaders, alongside opportunities for meaningful participation in political processes.
Selamawit concluded that women’s participation in political power should not be deferred until development has been achieved. Rather, it must form an integral part of the development process to advance Africa’s aspirations for future generations.
The African Women Political Leadership Forum 2026 was held as a side event of the Second African Political Parties Summit, taking place in Addis Ababa.