During the opening remarks, Dr. Sisay Mulate, Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer at Debre Berhan University, noted that although the Association of Ethiopian Women Researchers was established less than a year ago, it has achieved significant results through coordinated and integrated efforts. Emphasizing that involving women in research is an essential obligation, Dr. Sisay explained that the university allocated a dedicated budget of 2 million Birr for women research faculty for the current fiscal year and made female participation mandatory across all research initiatives.
Dr. Abunu Arega, Director of Research at the Ministry of Education, highlighted in his opening address that the main objective of the event was to foster partnership with the Association and provide the necessary support. He noted that the primary mission of higher education institutions is to deliver practical education, research, and community service, encouraging the Association to help replicate this project across other universities.
Several research papers and presentations were delivered during the session: Dr. Aster Teshome (President, EWRA): Presented on the establishment and ongoing activities of the Association. Dr. Tsigemariam Bashah (Lecturer, DBU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources & WLRC Intern): Presented on water and land resource management activities and projects. Dr. Engidasew Feleke (Gender Specialist, WLRC): Detailed the objectives and execution of the "BRIGHT" project. Dr. Almaz Afera (President of Women Researchers at DBU): Highlighted the Association's ongoing university projects and existing challenges. Dr. Bemnet Abegaz (Dean, DBU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources): Discussed opportunities and challenges at the project implementation site.
Questions and comments raised by participants were addressed by Dr. Sisay Mulate, Dr. Aster Teshome, and Dr. Abunu Arega. Following the presentations, participants conducted a field visit to the project site.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Sisay Mulate thanked the participants and project owners, stressing that this project serves as a key platform for the Association to demonstrate its capabilities through collaborative effort. He reaffirmed that the university will spare no effort to ensure the project's success. Concluding the event, Dr. Abunu Arega urged universities to expand their strategic plans to broader community service impacts.
