President Stresses Need for Increased Participation of Women in Higher Education Institutions

March 4/2021(ENA) Higher education institutions need to increase leadership of women and give them opportunities in education, President Sahle-Work Zewde said.

She made the remark on line at the 70th year anniversary of Addis Ababa University today.

The president pointed out the need to increase the chance of women for education and in leadership positions in the education sector.

“Do whatever is expected of you to increase the participation of women in universities and higher education institutions through giving educational and leadership opportunities,” Sahle-Work said.

Out of the total 3,044 Addis Ababa University staff members, 516 are female, it was learned.

According to her, enhancing the capacity of women and qualifying them for leadership could directly contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.

Lauding the university for the contribution it made in the past 70 years, the president stressed  the need to work hard to make the institution a center of excellence in science and technology and social sciences.

Addis Ababa University (AAU) President, Professor Tassew Woldehana said the university has contributed immensely to the development of human capital and the socio-economic development of the country.

AAU started with not more than 33 students and 9 staff members 70 years ago, but graduated over 250,000 in its 70 years journey, he added.

The president stated that the university plays a leading role in crafting policies and programs in the country and conducts researches.  

AAU is a member of various networks across the world and ranks tenth from African best universities.