Selam All,
Appeal to Ethiopian Woyzazirt.
This is very much the truth everywhere, in spite that women represent over fifty percent of the people in Diaspora. They are big money earners, they are a big number of qualified professionals and highly skilled technicians. They hold the family and society together. They maintain our traditional values and traditions.
Yet, we see very few of them participating in our politics. In our history women have played a major role Mentewab, Taytu, Shweraged and countless others. Mothers, patriots, warriors, administrators and so forth.
Gentle ladies, please get involved even if you have to fight the 'macho' jazz of the men-folks.
Don't forget that Ethiopia our beautiful motherland is a SHE.
The following is something I wrote on the subject some time ago.

Ketalq akbrot gar.
June 17, 2001

"A matter of gender"

Does anyone know why historically Ethiopia belongs to the feminine gender? Why do we always call her ‘Inatatchin (mother) Ethiopia?

Strangely enough most countries, France , Britain , India , Greece , Italy , Egypt and many others are symbolized by the feminine gender. This is one of those questions that pops up suddenly in one’s mind, from the recess of an instinctively male oriented memory.

My interpretation is, that while men went gallivanting to wars and conquests, the women were the ones that assured the survival of the species. They took care of the family, they raised the children, they are the binds that keeps together the society and its values. They are the permanent and pivotal element in a chaotic and more than often violent world.

Coming to our own Ethiopian women, whether poor or rich, whether beautiful or not, whether educated or not, their spirit and grace has no equal. I have known them as mothers, wives, lovers, sisters, daughters, children, colleagues, co-workers, professionals, patriots, artists, business women and in all walks of life. I have seen them in the most difficult and most dire circumstances, in war and peace, their courage and resilience, their loyalty and compassion, their charm and savoir-faire has always been admirable.

They, being the pillar of society, I ask why they have almost no role in our political life? In numbers they represent over fifty percent of the people, they have skills and wealth, they share fully in all endeavors of life. Yet, their participation in the current national political scene is almost nil. Historically, in Ethiopia women have played great roles in the body-politics of the times, how come that in this age of progress and enlightenment, women are excluded from this vital function in our national life? In simple terms, when we talk of democracy and of one person (man!) one vote, can we do without fifty percent of the voting population?

Unfortunately, the male chauvinist dominated politics of our time has not done well, if it has not been disastrous. I think we better go to our old Mother Ethiopia, and give their rightful place in our politics, to our beautiful, gracious and insightful ladies.

Best regards.

I.Z.

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