Ethiopia’s Minister of Women and Social Affairs, Dr. Ergogie Tesfaye received the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Distinguished Alumni Award in New Delhi recently at Delhi University. She received the award from Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, president of ICCR in the presence of H.E Ambassador Tizita Mulugeta, diplomats from Ethiopian Embassy, Indian government officers and the university community.
The ICCR administers an annual Distinguished Alumni Award to recognise ICCR’s alumni who have studied in India under the ICCR’s scholarship program, who have made significant achievement in their fields and have made an outstanding contribution to the promotion of understanding, goodwill and friendship between India and their country.
Dr. Ergogie has been chosen for this award for her contribution in addressing issues related with HIV/AIDS, gender strategy, sexual reproductive health strategies and anti-sexual harassment policies in Ethiopia as well as for her instrumental involvement in organizing “Artificial Limb Fitment Camp” in 2019 in Addis Ababa under the India for humanity project, which has provided service to more than 500 persons with disabilities.
During her recent visit to New Delhi, Dr. Erogogie also held discussion with Smriti Irani, Minister of Women and Child Development of Government of India. The discussion covered current situation of Ethiopia as well as bilateral issues of mutual interest. Dr. Erogogie noted that the historical people-to-people, trade, and investment relations between the two countries stretches back over many centuries. She briefed the Minister about the current situations in Ethiopia and highlighted the significant steps Ethiopia has taken to enhance the role and representation of women in political sphere. Dr. Ergogie also shared her view on the need to collaborate both sectors to help economically disadvantaged sections of the society, people with disabilities, drug abused as well as various schemes for elderly citizens through capacity building programs.
Ergogie further emphasized on the need for sharing the best practice and capacity building between the two countries in empowering women, ensuring gender equality, enhancing women participation in leadership at all levels and ensuring women and their organizations to effectively participate in political decision-making process. Smriti Irani on her part, appreciated the friendly and historical ties between the two countries and congratulated Ergogie for receiving the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Distinguished Alumni Award for her outstanding achievement in her field.
Dr Ergogie Tesfaye is one of the 5 distinguished alumni as well as the only awardee from Africa.