Initiative Africa conducted a visit to IGF cooperative partners

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It can be recalled that IA under the EMEA Project & IGF program is supporting more than 30 Business Membership Organizations (BMOs) through their projects. On June 07 & 08-2021, IA conducted a monitoring visit on selected 4 IGF beneficiaries to review their project progress and discuss identified gaps witnessed during their progress report submission.

Quite a fruitful discussion  held with project teams of each BMOs on possible areas of improvement in selected activity areas, gaps in reporting (both narrative and financial) and lessons learned for an effective implementation in the remaining project duration.

The BMOs were delighted and thank IA team for the continuous support provided.

International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression 2021

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Stop attacks on children

 It is celebrated on 4 June annually to highlight the pain suffered by children across the world who are the victims of physical, mental, and emotional abuse. The day affirms the commitment of the UN to protect the rights of children.

The day celebrates the millions of individuals and organizations working to protect and preserve the rights of children. For example, the Global Movement for Children leadership from Nelson Mandela, etc. Another campaign namely the “Say Yes for Children” is endorsed by more than 94 million people. The campaign calls for ten positive actions to be taken to improve the lives of children.

It is sad reality that in some situations children are affected and violations that occur may be use of children in war, killing, sexual violence, abduction, attacks on schools etc.

This day wants to make people aware in the whole world about the impact of cruelty or abuse was done with children in all its forms. Also, to protect children’s rights this day make organizations and individuals learn and take part in the campaign.

source joSh

Initiative Africa conducted First time voters’ education program

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Initiative Africa carried out several training and discussion sessions for the first-time voters in universities and youth groups over 10 locations in different regions across the nation. The chosen locations were Diredawa, Ambo, Adama, Bahirdar, Debrebirhan, Hawassa, Gondar, Wolayta, Arbaminch and Wello.

The training focused on the importance of youth participation in the election, the basics of the election and the procedures of voting. The program was entertaining as it includes a mock -election, short play that was well accepted by the participants as the performance added the youth’s point of view and talents.
In addition, a group of 5 women were selected among the trainees and were given TOT and facilitation training on first time voter education and discussion. The women in turn cascaded the training to their peers in their community.

The trainings proved to be fruitful, and the youth shared their point of view and understanding to learn from one another and discussed through dialogue.

Mayors-Private Sector Conference

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Initiative Africa (IA) co-facilitated the Mayors-Private Sector Conference which took place on May 6th and 7th which was titled ” Cities as Engines of Business Proliferation: What is Missing in Ethiopian Context?”. The thematic areas of the discussion sessions were:

  • Traineeship, apprenticeships and internship: key changes and good practices in cities
  • Changing mind-sets towards entrepreneurship – how can they be made more attractive in building businesses in cities?
  • Schemes and sources of financing and financing models for entrepreneurship in cities
  • Preserving cities while growing them
  • Leveraging cities’ potential for their growth

The conference was aimed at increasing Mayors’ understanding of their own entrepreneurship eco-system, discovering innovative policies that improve economic outcomes, and implementing those policies within their unique cities.

The conference was attended by over 50 Mayors, private sector leaders, different Chambers of Commerce and business associations, high level officials from different Ministries and other public offices and other stakeholders working in the Ethiopian Business Environment.

Panel discussion on business recovery and policies for growth in Ethiopia

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On April 15th, 2021, Initiative Africa [IA] participated in a panel discussion organized by Social Enterprise Ethiopia [one of the development partners of the Innovative Grant Fund] titled “Business Recovery and Policies for Growth in Ethiopia” at Elilly Hotel.

The discussions were very lively and brought together different stakeholders. Namely, from the public sector – Job Creation Commission, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Innovation and Technology and Ministry of Trade and Industry. In addition to several business operators, the discussions also included Non-Governmental Organizations which are also working on Business Environment reform in Ethiopia like the Center of International Private Enterprises [CIPE] – East Africa Regional Office and Reach for Change.

Voters Education training of Trainers

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Initiative Africa held the Training of Trainers Program for the 6th National Election voter education program on April 7, 2021 at Harmony Hotel. The training focused on Electoral Laws and Processes, Civil rights and responsibilities in democratic election, Election Observers and Their Roles.

The program will cascade in 10 universities across the nation

 

Gender Review of Print Media in Ethiopia

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Initiative Africa’s study on women’s participation in print media draft report was presented  last week in the presence of invited guests. The study focuses on four selected newspapers and covered 6-month issues.  

For more  Ghion Magazin

and

Draft report Gender review of print media-first draft (IA-MCH-DOC-REP-21-002)

 

Women’s Leadership Conference

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Ashagari consultancy in Partnership with Initiative Africa (IA) and other organizations held women’s Leadership Conference on the theme ‘Beyond Political Quota Commercial’ at UNCEA on March 31-2021. Leaders and Representatives from Governmental organization, private sectors and CSOs attended the conference. The conference was opened by a welcoming speech by W/o Mekides Gebireweld, the founder and Managing Director of Ashagari Consultancy. 

Following that  Wz.Aster Tilahun from ARDAN, her speech was focused on RED CARD for violence and discrimination against women and girls, which was an interesting topic in the conference. 

Other speckers from different organizations take the stage and presented their speechs on different topics: to recall a few  

Unconscious Gender Bias and Women’s Leadership by Dr. Azeb -psychiatrist 

Embracing Change Together by Mrs Saskia Kioezeman –Consultant and 

Learn -Live -Lead: Leadership tool to expand influence by Wz. Mekdes Gebrewold 

The participants were actively forwarding their questions and suggestions following each speakers and ideas raised which enriched the discussion. 

These types of conferences won’t be the last as Ashagari Women and IA are in partnership to make it an annual event.