Addis Ababa — The Netherlands government on Tuesday donated 2.7 million Euros (over 40 million birr) to support United Nations Population Fund Ethiopia (UNFPA) program to stop gender-based violence, enhance provision of health care and ensure social support systems.

Signing the agreement at the United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC) on Tuesday, Netherlands Ambassador to Ethiopia Alphons Hennekens and UNFPA Country Representative Dr. Monique Rakotomalala underscored the dire need for a firm measure to stop gender-based violence.

It was said that the partnership agreement would run for three years working mainly on reduction of violence against women. Ambassador Hennekens said on the occasion that Ethiopia has registered substantial goals in women's rights, but a lot more was to be done in that regard. "Funding to improve poor women's and children's situation is one of the most profitable social investments imaginable," he said. The multi-pronged approach in addressing gender concerns through bilateral cooperation between Ethiopia and the Netherlands sets out to support the activities of civil society organizations that implement community-based intervention and violence prevention programs.

Adolescent girls and women will benefit from better clinical help and legal assistance services in a bid to strengthen areas of care and social support to victims of violence, it was pointed out during the signing ceremony. It was also indicated that the agreement and its objectives complement the Ethiopian Government policies on gender equality as "gender equality is one of the eight pillars" of the national poverty reduction plan. Dr. Rakotomalala was grateful for the Netherlands government's support for a multi-faceted program which the UNFPA Ethiopia is receiving now for the first time from a Donor Community. She said violence in any form prevents women from exercising their human rights, violates their dignity, and jeopardizes their well being and health; and that this partnership agreement offers an opportunity to stop violence and ensure that reproductive rights and care are provided for the needy.

The formal signing event was attended by Roman Tesfaye, representative from the Ministry of Women's Affairs, Fidele Sarassoro, UN Resident Coordinator, representatives of the UN agencies and of the media.