Tigray Women Champion National Dialogue for Lasting Peace
Women from various towns across the Tigray region have emphatically reiterated their dedication to actively engaging in the ongoing nationwide dialogue. They highlight that confronting long-standing grievances through peaceful civil discourse is a testament to societal maturity and the most effective route to achieving enduring solutions. This commitment comes as the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission reports substantial progress across eleven regions, two city administrations, and within the diaspora.
Residents of Tigray, in conversations with the Ethiopian News Agency, have articulated that the establishment of the Commission represents a pivotal platform for inclusive dialogue—an opportunity they believe the people of Tigray must fully embrace.
The Crucial Role of Women in Peacebuilding
Kidan Haftu, a resident of Mekelle, poignantly noted that during periods of conflict, women and children invariably bear the brunt of suffering. This stark reality, she emphasized, underscores the critical necessity of women taking a leading role in peace-building initiatives.
“The undertaking to foster lasting peace and stability by resolving Ethiopia’s deep-rooted problems through dialogue carries immense hope,” Kidan stated. “We must not allow this historic opportunity to pass us by.” She passionately urged the people of Tigray to participate actively in this landmark process, urging them to position themselves as the architects of sustainable peace rather than passive onlookers.
A Beacon of Hope and Collective Responsibility
From Wojerat, Isra Adi Wereda in the South Eastern Zone, Tadelu Gebirehet shared her perspective, describing the dialogue process as a significant beacon of hope for all citizens. She affirmed her personal readiness to contribute meaningfully to the practical achievement of the Commission’s objectives.
Similarly, Yordanos Gebrehawariya, another young resident, expressed a firm conviction that no alternative exists that is more effective than dialogue for resolving complex national issues. She signaled her preparedness to engage vibrantly in what she characterized as a truly “historic opening.”
The voices from Tigray collectively recalled the devastating cycles of conflict that have inflicted heavy tolls on successive generations of Ethiopians. They concluded that pursuing lasting solutions through structured and open conversation is no longer merely an option, but a profound national necessity. This necessity, they argue, is paramount to breaking the entrenched cycle of violence and securing a stable and prosperous future for generations to come.
The emphasis on dialogue reflects a growing understanding across the nation that:
- Past Grievances Require Resolution: Ignoring historical injustices perpetuates instability.
- Inclusive Participation is Key: All segments of society, particularly those most affected by conflict, must have a voice.
- Peace is a Process, Not an Event: Sustained dialogue and commitment are required for lasting change.
- Women’s Leadership is Indispensable: Their unique perspectives and experiences are vital for effective peacebuilding.
The sentiment from Tigray signals a unified aspiration for a future defined by peace, understanding, and collective progress, with the national dialogue serving as the primary vehicle to achieve these critical goals.
