United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has awarded Ethiopia the United Nations Population Award 2024 in recognition of its efforts in mitigating early marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM) in the country.
Minister of Women and Social Affairs, Ergogie Tesfaye received the Award on behalf of the National Alliance to End Child Marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM) in a ceremony held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
On the occasion, the minister detailed the Government of Ethiopia’s legal, policy, and programmatic efforts to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls, as well as harmful traditional practices like child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM).
She emphasized that this global recognition will further bolster Ethiopia’s steadfast commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
The National Alliance to End Child Marriage and FGM, established in 2012, was recognized in the institutional category.
This strategic partnership and
coordination platform brings together government sectors, civil society organizations, UN agencies, development partners, research institutions, and faith-based actors, according to Ministry of Women and Social Affairs.
Led by the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, the National Alliance is mandated to oversee, coordinate, manage, and provide policy guidance on mechanisms and national strategies to prevent and eliminate child marriage and FGM.
The United Nations Population Award, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981, is presented to individuals and institutions with outstanding contributions to population and reproductive health.
The ceremony was attended by United Nations leaders and officials, as well as representatives from member states and international organizations.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency
