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A BRIEF BACKGROUND OF THE FORMATION OF THE ETHIOPIAN NETWORK OF
ETHIOPIAN WOMEN'S ASSSOCIATIONS (NEWA)
- The idea of establishing a network of women’s
associations and organizations was initiated by the Ethiopian
Women Lawyers Association.
- The first meeting in which the idea of a network
was tabled for discussion took place on October 2000 with the
financial support of Pact Ethiopia. Delegates of organizations
and associations as well as individuals working on women issues
participated in the meeting. The delegates of three organizations
that had previously established a network made presentations
on the benefits and meaning of a network. They shared their
experiences, highlighting the challenges and advantages involved
in forming a network. Subsequently the meeting was divided into
three groups for a detailed discussion on the following three
topics: (A) the need for a network (B) the degree of commitment
of organizations to work in a network, and (C) to consider what
the next step should be if a consensus were to be reached on
the necessity of building a network
- · The report issued from these group
discussions underscored the consensus reached on the necessity
of establishing a network primarily to: enable women to collectively
advance their cause by speaking in one voice, exchange relevant
experiences, share resources and information and build their
capacity.
- A nine-member steering committee was elected
charged with the task of formulating a proposal on the aim,
structure and membership criteria of the Network
- A draft memorandum of association prepared
by the steering committee was submitted to the general meeting.
After a lengthy discussion on this draft the steering committee
was instructed statement and resubmit a second memorandum of
association incorporating the comments and suggestions made
by participants.
- Accordingly, a revised memorandum of association
was submitted and approved by the general meeting that, among
other things, defined the objective and mission of the Network,
criterion for membership and the establishment of an independent
office under a general secretary. Based on the this memorandum
of association, 13 organizations whose activities directly focus
on women qualified to form the Network out of which seven were
elected to be board members.
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