Smashing all Barriers and Reshaping Outdated Societal Perceptions

By : – Dr. Fikrejesus Amahazion, Mar 8 2025

A celebration of achievements and a powerful call to action

International Women’s Day, observed annually on March 8, is a global celebration of women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. It also serves as a powerful call to action for accelerating gender equality, promoting women’s empowerment, and strengthening solidarity worldwide.

This article briefly highlights the significance of gender equality on a global scale before examining its progress and challenges in Eritrea.

Gender Equality: An Ongoing Global Struggle

Gender equality is both a fundamental human right and a critical driver of societal progress. The United Nations Charter, a foundational international document adopted in 1945, enshrines equality and non-discrimination as core principles, while nearly all regional and international human rights treaties prohibit gender-based discrimination.

Notably, extensive research conducted in settings worldwide has consistently demonstrated that gender equality fosters economic growth, reduces poverty and inequality, and enhances overall societal well-being and living standards. Empowered women and girls contribute significantly to their communities’ health, prosperity, security, and stability, ultimately setting the stage for a more promising future.

However, despite the notable progress in securing women’s rights around the globe, millions of women worldwide are still faced with discrimination, violence, and systemic inequality. Thus, as IWD helps to remind us, the fight for gender equality is far from over. It remains an urgent priority and demands sustained commitment and concrete action.

Eritrea’s deep-rooted commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment

Historically, Eritrean society, like many others both today and across the centuries, marginalized women. They were often viewed as inferior and incapable of meaningful contributions. A traditional saying that effectively encapsulates this outdated mindset declared, “Just as there is no donkey with horns, there is no woman with brains.”

However, since its unparalleled independence struggle, Eritrea has made gender equality a national priority. The Eritrean People’s Liberation Front, with the National Union of Eritrean Women also playing a pivotal role, helped to drive key changes and move the national struggle for gender equality and women’s rights forward.

Following the achievement of formal independence, the country has ratified many of the core international human and women’s rights instruments. This includes the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, and the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which sets international standards for eliminating gender discrimination. Eritrea has also actively participated in leading global initiatives, such as the landmark Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing and the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), which have been key catalysts to move the agenda forward on gender equality, the empowerment of women and girls, and gender rights.

On the domestic front, Eritrea has established institutional and policy frameworks to promote gender equality, focusing mainly on historically marginalized and vulnerable women. The country’s National Charter, which was adopted in 1994 and lays out the guiding vision and broad aspirations for the nation, declares that “A society that does not respect the rights and equality of women cannot be truly liberated.” The legal system also ensures their fair and equal participation in community courts.

Eritrea has implemented affirmative action policies in education, employment, and public life to address historical inequalities. These measures have significantly increased women’s social, economic, and political participation. National laws guarantee women equal access to land, citizenship rights, and protection against gender-based violence and harmful traditional practices. These initiatives are driving meaningful change and improving lives nationwide.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare supports women across various sectors. At the same time, the National Union of Eritrean Women and the Eritrean Women’s Agribusiness Association continue to play a crucial role in economic empowerment, financial access, education, and advocacy against gender-based violence.

Notably, Eritrea’s work in promoting gender equality has not gone unrecognized. National delegations have shared Eritrea’s gender-related accomplishments at prominent international gatherings, such as the CSW, and international organizations, including the United Nations Population Fund, have praised Eritrea’s significant achievements in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. Just months ago, during a public event held in Asmara featuring government officials, NUEW, and other national institutions, Nahla Valji, the UN Resident Coordinator in Eritrea, commended Eritrea for its efforts and progress in ensuring gender equality.

A pillar of nation-building and development

Importantly, beyond policy initiatives, tangible progress is evident in Eritrean women’s contributions to national development. In the healthcare sector, for instance, doctors, nurses, and community health workers have been at the forefront, playing a crucial role in many of Eritrea’s health-related successes.

Similarly, Eritrean women and girls continue to excel in education, disproving outdated beliefs about their intellectual capacity. Today, across all regions, female students form a significant portion of school enrollments and consistently rank among the top academic performers.

Women also make noticeable strides in traditionally male dominated fields such as agriculture, engineering, and mining, where they hold various technical, managerial, and administrative roles. Eritrean female athletes are breaking barriers in sports, particularly in athletics and cycling, gaining international recognition and challenging societal norms that once discouraged women’s participation in such sporting activities.

Eritrean women have played an essential role in defending the nation’s sovereignty. Following their foremothers who fought for independence, today’s Eritrean women stand firm in safeguarding national security and upholding patriotic duty.

The wings of the nation

Over the past three decades, Eritrean women have made remarkable strides, smashing all barriers and reshaping societal perceptions. Their contributions across various sectors highlight their agency, resilience, and indispensable role in national progress. Today, the truth is that Eritrea, without the contributions of its women and girls, would be like a bird without wings. Through continuing to promote gender equality and empower women, Eritrea will pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future.

https://shabait.com/2025/03/08/smashing-all-barriers-and-reshaping-outdated-societal-perceptions