Under the coordination of the Debre Markos University Women’s and Social Affairs Mainstreaming Directorate, International Women’s Day (March 8) was celebrated colorfully on February 27, 2018 E.C., under the motto: “Women’s Voice for Equality and a Prosperous Ethiopia.”
The university’s senior leadership, invited guests, and members of the university community were present at the ceremony. In the opening speech of the program, the Head of the Office of the President of Debre Markos University, Dr. Haymanot Getachew, recalled the difficult conditions women faced before the 1900s. The official explained that women have passed through an era where they could not learn, elect or be elected, or accumulate wealth. However, he pointed out that through much struggle and sacrifice, women in various parts of the world have been able to ensure their rights.
Mentioning that Ethiopia has marked half a century since it began celebrating the day, Dr. Haymanot urged that beyond celebrating the date, ways must be facilitated for women to become equal beneficiaries with men in social, economic, and political fields. He added that the university is working to bring women into leadership by increasing their participation, and conveyed the message: “We should not only celebrate Women’s Day, but also implement it.”
During the program, a discussion paper was presented by Tirusew Wonde, a lecturer at the College of Health Sciences, titled: “Suicidal Ideation, attempts and Help-Seeking Behaviors among Adolescent Girls in Southwest Ethiopia: A community-Based Cross-Sectional study.” In her paper, the lecturer pointed out that suicidal actions among adolescent girls are spreading at a high rate in Ethiopia. She noted that this often happens due to stigma and a lack of awareness, and that mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and social phobia are the causes. She further explained that environmental conditions such as food insecurity and a family history of suicide are additional causes.
The lecturer pointed out that women are exposed to mental health problems leading to suicide especially due to gender-based violence committed by men; she stated that to prevent these attacks on women, it is necessary to implement school-focused community mental health services
Additionally, she indicated in her discussion paper that improving women’s economic benefit and preventing gender-based violence are essential to improving women’s mental health. Constructive ideas and comments were raised by participants regarding the presented discussion paper, and responses were given.
In addition to Lecturer Tirusew Wonde, Student Hanna Shimelis (Representative of the Debre Markos University Female Students’ Club) presented an operational performance report for the Female Students, HIV/AIDS, and Persons with Disabilities clubs. By her presentation, she indicated that DMU is supporting economically needy females both financially and in kind, so that females do not quit their education because of financial issues.
The program featured various educational messages and preparations, and concluded by awarding incentive prizes and certificates of recognition to three female students who achieved outstanding academic results at the university.