Through our ongoing cooperation with the Coalition of Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations for Elections (CECOE), we continue to support initiatives that strengthen inclusive and credible electoral processes in Ethiopia. In this context, CECOE held a series of activities to commemorate Women’s Month 2026, aligning the celebration with its General Assembly and its participation in the National Civil Society Organizations Week Exhibition, organised by Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council (ECSOC).
Since 2023, CECOE has leveraged International Women’s Day to advance a comprehensive advocacy agenda on women’s civic and political rights, amplifying the voices and contributions of women leaders from across the country. Targeted workshops have mobilised approximately 300 young participants, fostering intergenerational dialogue around women’s leadership and equipping emerging advocates with the tools and confidence to engage in Ethiopia’s democratic processes. This approach reflects ECES’ wider commitment to strengthening electoral participation, gender-responsive governance and inclusive civic engagement across its partner countries.
For 2026, CECOE’s programme will serve as a strategic contribution to preparations for Ethiopia’s 7th General Election. Conducted activities include a high‑level Women’s Day event gathering more than 100 member organisations, featuring presentations on initiatives aimed at enhancing women’s participation in the upcoming electoral cycle. Participation in the National CSO Week Exhibition, organised by the Authority of Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) and ECSOC, provided a national platform to showcase member organisations’ work on election observation, civic education, and gender-responsive electoral engagement.
Using exhibitions, outreach, and direct stakeholder engagement, CECOE aims to increase awareness of the barriers and opportunities shaping women’s political participation, strengthen collaboration among member organisations, enhance national visibility and document lessons to inform future advocacy and policy initiatives. The identified target includes CECOE nationwide membership, women‑led organisations, the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), civil society networks, political actors, media and development partners.
Thanks to these coordinated efforts, CECOE continues to reinforce its role as a leading civil society coalition for inclusive elections in Ethiopia. ECES remains committed to supporting such initiatives, in line with our mandate to promote democratic governance, strengthen electoral processes and uphold women’s meaningful participation as a cornerstone of credible and sustainable democracy.
