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Overview
Since 1993, Ethiopia has adopted gender-sensitive policies, including the National Policy on Women and constitutional guarantees for gender equality. Article 25 ensures equality before the law, while Article 35 addresses women's rights, including affirmative action and property rights. The country has also ratified global commitments like CEDAW and the Beijing Declaration.
Revisions to family law have improved women's rights in land ownership, inheritance, and marriage. The government’s land certification program now includes both spouses’ names and photos, ensuring women’s recognition.
Despite progress, challenges remain in agriculture, where women face limited access to assets, inputs, credit, and market opportunities. Female-headed households cultivate smaller plots and engage less in agricultural activities due to household responsibilities and social barriers.
Government programs like the PSNP, AGP, and SLMP have integrated gender mainstreaming, but knowledge sharing and coordination are still lacking. To address this, the Ministry of Agriculture’s Women’s, Children’s, and Youth Affairs Directorate is working to enhance collaboration among stakeholders, promote policy advocacy, and strengthen national capacity for gender equality in the sector.
