International Women’s Day: Interview with Dr Hanna Zewdu

What is International Women’s Day and why is it important?

International Women’s Day celebrates the accomplishments of women while advocating for action to combat gender inequality. It brings global attention to issues such as the gender pay gap, and inequality in employment, education, health and access to resources.

What have working animals got to do with gender equality?

At first glance, working animals may not seem connected to gender equality, but they play a crucial role in supporting it, especially in rural Ethiopia where we work. In rural Ethiopia, donkeys in particular help women by assisting with household tasks like fetching water and firewood, allowing women more time for income-generating activities, such as selling goods at the local market. This economic independence is a key aspect of gender equality and is recognised in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals

What kind of issues and barriers do women in Ethiopia still encounter?

Unfortunately, many women lack access to training that could improve both their lives and the health of their animals. However, in partnership with SPANA, Addis Ababa University has launched programmes to provide animal welfare and management training specifically for women. These programmes focus on practical skills such as wound prevention and feeding management, which improve the care of working animals.

This is part of the university’s wider collaboration with SPANA, which includes running PAWS (Promoting Animal Welfare in Schools) clubs to inspire the next generation to care for working animals. Additionally, the university operates a centre and mobile clinics that visit rural communities, providing veterinary care for working animals and guidance for their owners

What actions are needed to further gender equality in rural Ethiopia?

To further gender equality, there needs to be greater investment in women’s access to resources, education and training. Working animals are already helping, but more needs to be done to unlock equal rights and opportunities for women.