Emancipation of Women A National Vision That Should be Reinforced

One of the objectives of the Eritrean people's struggle for liberation was securing equal rights for Eritrean women; for a society that denies equal rights to women cannot be truly independent. Almost all political movements in the world address the issue women's rights in their programs. However, since the motive most often is only to achieve political correctness, no tangible progress is made through such an approach. On the contrary, the EPLF leadership had applied in practice the concept of women's equality and brought about basic change in traditional perceptions and had thus set a historic example in this case. Thanks to this firm principle, Eritrean women were able to become heroic freedom fighters just as their male compatriots, thus rediscovering their suppressed dignity and potential. One of the characteristics features of the Eritrean struggle for independence is the significant participation and role of women. Hence, we have a unique and proud political experience and history as regards to women's rights. However, this experience should not be limited to being only a shining moment in our history. The significance of women's role in the present stage of the nation building process is just as important as it was during the days of the armed struggle. His Excellency President Isaias had in one occasion, reminded that "in Eritrea, women's participation in the development drive and in the economic, political and cultural sectors goes beyond the issue of equal rights. It is by all measurements an issue of national welfare." Any concept or notion, even after becoming part of the laws and principles of a nation needs constant tending for it to become ever radiant, hence our vision and principles as regards the issue of women's rights should be continuously strengthened. The question of women's rights is not something that should be raised only once a year in March for the sake of political seemliness, but should rather be ingrained in the minds of every citizen as decisive factor for national economic and social development Since it is also one of the important steps in building a progressive society, gender equality should be part of the people's everyday Iife so that Eritrean women everywhere in the country could emancipate themselves through education and acquiring of skills. And that why gender equality is not only an issue for women but for the entire society as well; for the Eritrean people have proven more than anybody else that the advantages that would come as a result of women participation in every aspect of life would benefit not only women but the whole community. Hence all government institutions and the community should not only work for the practical implementation of this principle but should equally put into consideration the issue of gender equality in every step they take. Congratulations to the courageous Eritrean women!