Arba Minch University (AMU) held a Gender Mainstreaming Policy Dissemination Workshop to present and discuss its newly approved Gender Mainstreaming Policy, developed with the contribution of the AMU-IUC Transversal Institutional Strengthening Project 7 (TISP-7), bringing together university leaders, AMU-IUC project coordinators and sub-project leaders, representatives from VLIR-UOS, staff, and other stakeholders to review the policy’s key provisions and explore approaches for effective institutional implementation.Click here to see more photos.
Dr. Ing. Bogale Gebremariam, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Delegate of the President, said the new policy brings AMU’s existing gender equality efforts together within a comprehensive institutional framework. He noted that balanced representation can contribute to improved productivity, job satisfaction, and staff retention, while making gender sensitivity an important consideration in the University’s academic programs, partnerships, and collaborations.
Dr. Teklu Wogayhu, Vice President for Research and Cooperation and AMU-IUC South Project Coordinator, emphasized that institutionalizing equity, inclusivity, and fairness remains an important priority as AMU advances its commitments to academic excellence, innovative research, and community engagement.
Dr. Teklu stressed that the Gender Mainstreaming Policy should not be regarded merely as a formal document or regulatory requirement, but as a framework for shaping the University’s educational, research, collaborative, and institutional practices and for fostering a safe, supportive, and empowering environment for students, staff, and leadership. He also acknowledged TISP-7’s contribution to completing the policy and emphasized that its success will depend on the ownership and active participation of the entire university community.
Dr. Fassil Eshetu, AMU-IUC Project Manager, described the comprehensive Gender Mainstreaming Policy as a significant milestone in strengthening gender equality and institutional development at AMU. He commended the dedication of the TISP-7 leaders and members and acknowledged the contributions of Dr. Teklu Wogayhu, the AMU Gender Office, and other stakeholders. He reaffirmed the project’s commitment to supporting the policy’s implementation and monitoring its impact across the University.
Dr. Genaye Tsegaye, TISP-7 South Project Leader, explained that the policy development process took approximately one and a half years and involved substantial work by the team. She emphasized that the workshop also aimed to call on all university stakeholders to understand their respective responsibilities and contribute to the effective implementation of the policy.
Speaking online, Prof. Veerle Draulans, TISP-7 North Project Leader under the VLIR-UOS AMU-IUC partnership, expressed her appreciation to Dr. Genaye Tsegaye, the AMU Gender Office, the Gender Policy Development Committee led by Ms. Bayush Tesfaye, Dr. Fassil Eshetu, and local and international colleagues for their valuable contributions to the policy development process. She described the adoption of the policy as a significant milestone for TISP-7, noting its alignment with VLIR-UOS’s strategic commitment to gender equality and Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5).
During the event, Ms. Hagerework Desalegn presented AMU’s newly developed Gender Mainstreaming Policy, outlining its key objectives and implementation framework. The policy establishes eight institutional goals to mainstream gender across teaching, research, administration, and community engagement, supported by a six-stage implementation approach: Plan, Act, Support, Monitor, Report, and Review. It also focuses on strengthening women’s participation in decision-making, ensuring equitable access to institutional resources, and addressing gender-based violence.
A panel discussion was also held, during which participants raised questions regarding the policy’s alignment with national laws and regulations, its broader institutional significance, mechanisms for monitoring implementation, and the need for additional guidelines to support effective implementation. Members of the Gender Policy Development Committee provided responses and clarifications, highlighting that successful implementation of the policy is expected to strengthen women’s participation, performance, and productivity in research, academia, community engagement, leadership, and decision-making, while promoting equitable opportunities across the University.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Roel Merckx, AMU-IUC Project North Coordinator, congratulated TISP-7 on completing and securing the Gender Mainstreaming Policy. He emphasized the importance of mainstreaming gender across institutional sectors and activities, noting that advancing gender equality and inclusivity requires commitment beyond a single office or project. He expressed his hope that the policy would further strengthen gender equality, inclusivity, and equity at AMU in the years ahead.
At the conclusion of the event, Certificates of Appreciation were presented to members of the Gender Policy Development Committee, TISP-7 leaders, and members in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the development and finalization of the Gender Mainstreaming Policy.
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