TIMRAN & AWiB Reflect on ‘My Voice Matters’ for Women’s Month

As part of the Women’s Month commitment, TIMRAN in partnership with AWiB organized a panel discussion on March 05, 2026, reflecting on “My Voice Matters,” a seasonal topic on women’s voice in political participation and public leadership. Moderated by Kidist Getachew, Program Manager of TIMRAN, Mrs. Bilen Asrat and Mrs. Meskerem Girma, founders of TIMRAN, delivered speeches that sparked a profound conversation on the reality of women’s influence in Ethiopia today.

The discussion went beyond mere numbers, exploring whether women hold genuine decision-making power or if representation remains symbolic. The panel tackled the systemic and cultural barriers ranging from media scrutiny and double standards to safety concerns during elections that often hinder women from entering leadership.

Drawing inspiration from Ethiopia’s historic female leaders, the speakers emphasized that “voice” is a tool for institutional change. They called for intentional solidarity among women and urged organizations to move beyond “paper policies” toward active mentorship and accountability. The session concluded with a powerful reminder, despite the challenges, meaningful national progress begins when women’s voices are heard, supported, and integrated into the heart of public life.

You can find the event recap here: https://awibethiopia.org/recap/my-voice-matters-recap/