International Celebrations Observed Together

Leaders and staff of the Ethiopian National Theatre and the Ethiopian Library and Archives Service jointly commemorated three international days: World Children’s Day, International Day for the Elimination of Gender-Based Violence, and World AIDS Day.

Under the mottos “Child Protection and the Right to Play for All Children,” “A Society that Does Not Tolerate Gender-Based Violence for Generational Development,” and “By Overcoming Challenges, We Ensure a Sustainable HIV/AIDS Response,” the celebrations were held at the Ethiopian National Theatre. At the opening, the Theatre’s instrumental music group performed.

The welcome message was delivered by Mr. Serse Fre Sebhat, Director General of the Ethiopian Library and Archives Service, who emphasized the importance of raising children with good morals and integrity from an early age. He highlighted the significant role children’s books play in shaping generations, recalling the contributions of the late Kebede Mikael through his tales and parables.

He noted that a generation nurtured with sound values is protected from violence against women and contributes to building a peaceful and active society. He stressed that commemorating such international occasions should involve educational activities and awareness messages, requiring careful preparation.

On the day, a research paper focusing on child protection was presented by Deputy Tesfaye Zelalem. The study sparked high awareness and motivation among participants, who emphasized that such life-skills training should be accessible not only to institutions but also to the wider community.

As part of the commemoration, participants symbolically wore ribbons: men wore white ribbons and women wore red ribbons, in line with the global pledge “Do not commit violence against women, and do not remain silent when violence is committed against women.”

Finally, the program concluded with messages from women and social affairs officers of both the Ethiopian Library and Archives Service and the Ethiopian National Theatre, Ms. Hagere Mekonnen and Ms. Selamawit Zoyit, focusing on women and children’s issues.