‎(September 29/2018) The establishment of the Ethiopian Women Researchers Association, which includes scholars and researchers from higher education institutions, has become a reality.

‎‎In a message delivered by the State Minister of Women and Social Affairs, H.E. Huriya Ali, who attended the inauguration, she said that women researchers are expected to play their role to the fullest extent possible in empowering women to participate significantly in research and innovation.

‎The association will provide opportunities for women researchers to generate new ideas, develop successor women leaders, and exchange experiences and support each other, H.E. Huriya said.

‎She also called on female scholars and researchers to contribute their experience and knowledge to support research and development efforts to address issues that limit children’s education, poverty, and women’s participation and empowerment.

‎‎The State Minister of Planning and Development, H.E. Tirumar Abate, for her part, said that the cooperation and role of female scholars and researchers is significant in the implementation of national development policies and plans implemented by the Ministry of Planning and Development.

‎‎The establishment of a Women Researchers Association is a great potential for the Ministry’s gender statistics and other data-based policy development and planning activities.

‎‎The Head of Research and Community Engagement at the Ministry of Education, Dr. Serawit Handiso (Dr.), for his part, indicated that the Ministry of Education is working to increase the participation of female scholars and researchers in higher education institutions as part of its reform.

‎‎Dr. Serawit also indicated that the establishment of the association will enable research and study projects to be carried out in collaboration and partnership and to better utilize the potential of female scholars and researchers.

‎‎The Head of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Mariamawit Asfaw, for his part, explained that the establishment of the association will enable the organization to address problems related to maternal, child and adolescent health through coordinated research activities.

‎‎Dr. Esther Teshome, President of the Afla Girls Center, said at the same time that the goal of the Ethiopian Women Researchers Association is to be a leader in research, innovation, and discovery for Ethiopian women researchers, and to be a part of national and international solutions by leading the future through knowledge, collaboration, and inclusiveness.

‎The conference elected Dr. Esther Teshome as the president of the association, Dr. Achamyelesh Gebdeek as the vice president, and Dr. Qattena Yuhannes as the secretary. The conference was attended by female scholars and researchers from 47 universities and other institutions.