NUEW-DC Hosts another spectacular International Women’s Day Gala
Sophia Tesfamariam
March 05, 2007
On 3 March 2007, the National Union of Eritrean Women-DC Chapter hosted its annual International Women’s Day Gala at the Sheraton National Hotel in Arlington, VA. This year’s event held under the theme “To develop an educated and confident Eritrean woman” was attended by over 800 people who came to pay tribute to Eritrean mothers, sisters and daughters, the backbone of the nation. Dressed in traditional attire representing Eritrea’s nine nationalities, Afar, Bilen, Hidareb, Kunama, Nara, Rashaida, Saho, Tigre and Tigrinya, men and women, young and old joined in the festivities to make this year’s event, very successful and memorable.
The National Union of Eritrean Women (NUEW) was established in 1979 as one of the mass organizations of the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front (EPLF). With more than 200,000 members from all walks of life (including the Eritrean Diaspora in Europe, the Middle East and North America) NUEW leads the way in promoting the economic, social, cultural and political development of women in Eritrean society. NUEW works extensively at a grassroots level to promote the establishment of women's fundamental rights to land, political participation and a say on family and marriage practices. NUEW also strives to ensure women's equal access to education, employment and skills development, as well as health and childcare services.
The NUEW-DC event was opened with a moment of silence in memory of Eritrea’s Martyrs who gave their lives for Eritrea’s independence and also for those who dies in defense of Eritrea’s sovereignty and territorial integrity against Ethiopia’s 1998-2000 war of aggression and invasion. Eritrean women fought alongside their fellow countrymen and gave their lives for Eritrea’s liberation. The participants stood in honor and respect for Eritrea’s bravest and most precious. After that, a brand new youth cultural troupe “DC Warsai” led the audience in singing the Eritrean National Anthem. Ms. Yelena Zeru, a young Eritrean woman introduced the speakers and directed the evening’s program with great confidence and pride.
Ms. Aster Tekle, Chairperson, DC-Chapter, welcomed and thanked the audience and provided an overview of the various activities undertaken by the Chapter in the last year. The DC-Chapter supported the 2006 Independence Day dinner and the successful summer festival. The Chapter conducted educational workshops and continues to reach out to women in the community to address their needs and share in their experiences. Supporting the various community events through out the year, NUEW members remain an integral part of the very vibrant Eritrean community in metropolitan Washington, DC.
Ms. Aster Tekle noted that the no-war no-peace situation prevailing in Eritrea today because of Ethiopia’s rejection of the Final and Binding ruling of the Eritrea Ethiopia Boundary Commission and the international community’s reluctance to pressure the minority regime in Ethiopia to comply with its obligations under international law and abide by Agreements it has signed, greatly affects not just development efforts in Eritrea but also puts untold burdens on Eritrean women who are forced to shoulder greater responsibilities. She also noted that NUEW-DC joins the Government and people of Eritrea in calling for the unconditional and expeditious demarcation of the Eritrea Ethiopia border in accordance with the EEBC decision of 13 April 2002. She also noted that demarcation was inevitable and called on Eritrean women to support their counterparts during these difficult times.
Ms. Samrawit Michael, National Chairperson also addressed and welcomed the participants at the 2007 NUEW-DC event. She outlined the various development efforts that are underway in Eritrea and the role of Eritrean women in these efforts. Working with their male counterparts all over the country, these women have enhanced Eritrea’s capacity and have contributed greatly towards the national nation building effort. From building dams, canals, highways, roads, schools, clinics and housing projects, NUEW plays a vital role in encouraging and supporting the participation of all Eritreans in national efforts. Eritrean women are not only honing new skills, they are playing a vital role in Eritrea’s Warsai Yikaalo Development Program. From supporting orphaned children, to taking care of families of Eritrea’s beloved martyrs, Eritrean women shoulder enormous personal and national responsibilities in their war torn nation.
H.E.Girmai Gebremariam, Eritrea’s Ambassador to the United States congratulated NUEW and welcomed the guests. Recalling the undeniable heroic role played by Eritrean women during the 30-year struggle for Eritrea’s independence from Ethiopia, Ambassador Girmai said that Eritrean women are playing an equally heroic and invaluable role in the nation’s development efforts. The construction of modern technical and vocational schools throughout the country has opened up even greater opportunities for education for Eritrean women. The Government of Eritrea is making a conscious effort to ensure gender equity and creating opportunity for full participation of women in Eritrea’s development campaigns.
Ambassador Girmai explained Eritrea’s priority to achieve food sufficiency, also a national security issue. The GoE has outlined strategies to achieve that goal and the women of Eritrea will once again lead in their implementation. Major water harvesting and soil preservation projects are underway throughout the country and women in the various villages and towns are working alongside the youth and members of the Eritrean Defense Forces as they carry out various development projects throughout the country.
Ambassador Girmai told the participants that NUEW continues to play a key role in advocating for, monitoring, and evaluating the formulation/planning and implementation of government policies and programs from a gender perspective. NUEW’s historical background and its high level experience in political mobilization and sophistication has enabled it to influence policy making, demonstrating its capability to coordinate the gender mainstreaming process and is today playing an equally vital role in Eritrea’s development programs.
No Eritrean event is complete without food, drink and dance and there was plenty of that. NUEW-DC was honored to have legendary Eritrean musicians and artists whose support and encouragement they have enjoyed over the years. This year, Dashim Meshina, a multitalented vocalist and musician brought with him his equally talented and generous musicians who played current and old favorites bringing young and old to the dance floor in droves. With Dawit Tesfamariam on the saxophone, Rezene Habte as lead guitarist, Tesfamariam Embaye on base and Mehari Eyasu on the keyboard, the sound of Eritrean music rocked the ballroom as hundreds clapped, cheered and danced. The legendary Haile Gebru sang to the delight of the roaring crowd…Haile still has his groove.
The highlight of the evening and the pride of the community was the spectacular debut performance by the Eritrean Youth Cultural Troupe “Warsai Washington DC”. Members of the troupe, Adma, Fanuel, Luwam, Fithawit, Selam, Makda, Yohannes, Soliana, Yonas, Suzanna, Dawit, Kibrom and the two Fevens energized the crowd with their voices. Coordinated and organized by Robel Tesfay, their hard work and dedication paid off, they were a great hit. Taking turns, they sang in Tigrinya and Tigre, hitting high notes and delivering perfect choruses, these young men and women were not only inspirational, they were fabulous. The Eritrean American community in Washington, DC is proud to have these multitalented, dedicated, patriotic, young Eritreans in their midst and wish them much success in all their future endeavors.
The DC Chapter of NUEW is the proud sponsor of “Project Senafe”, and is building a Training Center for Women in Senafe, Eritrea. The Center will enhance NUEW’s literacy programs, as well as provide women with more opportunities for vocational training in computers, tailoring, handicraft, driving and catering. The Center will provide training in proper reproductive health practices, hygiene, nutrition, air borne and other diseases. NUEW Chapters throughout the world and in regions throughout the United States are participating in this noble endeavor of building training centers in Eritrea’s towns and villages. NUEW continues to forge ties with organizations around the world to share in their experiences and create partnerships.
All proceeds from the 3 March 2007 NUEW-DC event will go towards the completion of the Senafe Training Center for Women. See you all next year as NUEW-DC members take on other challenges and reach greater heights.
For pictures of the 2007 event visit:
http://alenalki.com/2007/images/stories/March/NUEW_Washington-07/index.html
The National Union of Eritrean Women (NUEW) was established in 1979 as one of the mass organizations of the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front (EPLF). With more than 200,000 members from all walks of life (including the Eritrean Diaspora in Europe, the Middle East and North America) NUEW leads the way in promoting the economic, social, cultural and political development of women in Eritrean society. NUEW works extensively at a grassroots level to promote the establishment of women's fundamental rights to land, political participation and a say on family and marriage practices. NUEW also strives to ensure women's equal access to education, employment and skills development, as well as health and childcare services.
The NUEW-DC event was opened with a moment of silence in memory of Eritrea’s Martyrs who gave their lives for Eritrea’s independence and also for those who dies in defense of Eritrea’s sovereignty and territorial integrity against Ethiopia’s 1998-2000 war of aggression and invasion. Eritrean women fought alongside their fellow countrymen and gave their lives for Eritrea’s liberation. The participants stood in honor and respect for Eritrea’s bravest and most precious. After that, a brand new youth cultural troupe “DC Warsai” led the audience in singing the Eritrean National Anthem. Ms. Yelena Zeru, a young Eritrean woman introduced the speakers and directed the evening’s program with great confidence and pride.
Ms. Aster Tekle, Chairperson, DC-Chapter, welcomed and thanked the audience and provided an overview of the various activities undertaken by the Chapter in the last year. The DC-Chapter supported the 2006 Independence Day dinner and the successful summer festival. The Chapter conducted educational workshops and continues to reach out to women in the community to address their needs and share in their experiences. Supporting the various community events through out the year, NUEW members remain an integral part of the very vibrant Eritrean community in metropolitan Washington, DC.
Ms. Aster Tekle noted that the no-war no-peace situation prevailing in Eritrea today because of Ethiopia’s rejection of the Final and Binding ruling of the Eritrea Ethiopia Boundary Commission and the international community’s reluctance to pressure the minority regime in Ethiopia to comply with its obligations under international law and abide by Agreements it has signed, greatly affects not just development efforts in Eritrea but also puts untold burdens on Eritrean women who are forced to shoulder greater responsibilities. She also noted that NUEW-DC joins the Government and people of Eritrea in calling for the unconditional and expeditious demarcation of the Eritrea Ethiopia border in accordance with the EEBC decision of 13 April 2002. She also noted that demarcation was inevitable and called on Eritrean women to support their counterparts during these difficult times.
Ms. Samrawit Michael, National Chairperson also addressed and welcomed the participants at the 2007 NUEW-DC event. She outlined the various development efforts that are underway in Eritrea and the role of Eritrean women in these efforts. Working with their male counterparts all over the country, these women have enhanced Eritrea’s capacity and have contributed greatly towards the national nation building effort. From building dams, canals, highways, roads, schools, clinics and housing projects, NUEW plays a vital role in encouraging and supporting the participation of all Eritreans in national efforts. Eritrean women are not only honing new skills, they are playing a vital role in Eritrea’s Warsai Yikaalo Development Program. From supporting orphaned children, to taking care of families of Eritrea’s beloved martyrs, Eritrean women shoulder enormous personal and national responsibilities in their war torn nation.
H.E.Girmai Gebremariam, Eritrea’s Ambassador to the United States congratulated NUEW and welcomed the guests. Recalling the undeniable heroic role played by Eritrean women during the 30-year struggle for Eritrea’s independence from Ethiopia, Ambassador Girmai said that Eritrean women are playing an equally heroic and invaluable role in the nation’s development efforts. The construction of modern technical and vocational schools throughout the country has opened up even greater opportunities for education for Eritrean women. The Government of Eritrea is making a conscious effort to ensure gender equity and creating opportunity for full participation of women in Eritrea’s development campaigns.
Ambassador Girmai explained Eritrea’s priority to achieve food sufficiency, also a national security issue. The GoE has outlined strategies to achieve that goal and the women of Eritrea will once again lead in their implementation. Major water harvesting and soil preservation projects are underway throughout the country and women in the various villages and towns are working alongside the youth and members of the Eritrean Defense Forces as they carry out various development projects throughout the country.
Ambassador Girmai told the participants that NUEW continues to play a key role in advocating for, monitoring, and evaluating the formulation/planning and implementation of government policies and programs from a gender perspective. NUEW’s historical background and its high level experience in political mobilization and sophistication has enabled it to influence policy making, demonstrating its capability to coordinate the gender mainstreaming process and is today playing an equally vital role in Eritrea’s development programs.
No Eritrean event is complete without food, drink and dance and there was plenty of that. NUEW-DC was honored to have legendary Eritrean musicians and artists whose support and encouragement they have enjoyed over the years. This year, Dashim Meshina, a multitalented vocalist and musician brought with him his equally talented and generous musicians who played current and old favorites bringing young and old to the dance floor in droves. With Dawit Tesfamariam on the saxophone, Rezene Habte as lead guitarist, Tesfamariam Embaye on base and Mehari Eyasu on the keyboard, the sound of Eritrean music rocked the ballroom as hundreds clapped, cheered and danced. The legendary Haile Gebru sang to the delight of the roaring crowd…Haile still has his groove.
The highlight of the evening and the pride of the community was the spectacular debut performance by the Eritrean Youth Cultural Troupe “Warsai Washington DC”. Members of the troupe, Adma, Fanuel, Luwam, Fithawit, Selam, Makda, Yohannes, Soliana, Yonas, Suzanna, Dawit, Kibrom and the two Fevens energized the crowd with their voices. Coordinated and organized by Robel Tesfay, their hard work and dedication paid off, they were a great hit. Taking turns, they sang in Tigrinya and Tigre, hitting high notes and delivering perfect choruses, these young men and women were not only inspirational, they were fabulous. The Eritrean American community in Washington, DC is proud to have these multitalented, dedicated, patriotic, young Eritreans in their midst and wish them much success in all their future endeavors.
The DC Chapter of NUEW is the proud sponsor of “Project Senafe”, and is building a Training Center for Women in Senafe, Eritrea. The Center will enhance NUEW’s literacy programs, as well as provide women with more opportunities for vocational training in computers, tailoring, handicraft, driving and catering. The Center will provide training in proper reproductive health practices, hygiene, nutrition, air borne and other diseases. NUEW Chapters throughout the world and in regions throughout the United States are participating in this noble endeavor of building training centers in Eritrea’s towns and villages. NUEW continues to forge ties with organizations around the world to share in their experiences and create partnerships.
All proceeds from the 3 March 2007 NUEW-DC event will go towards the completion of the Senafe Training Center for Women. See you all next year as NUEW-DC members take on other challenges and reach greater heights.
For pictures of the 2007 event visit:
http://alenalki.com/2007/images/stories/March/NUEW_Washington-07/index.html
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