“We Need to Work Hard to Increase Women’s Participation and Decision-Making in ERCS” – Dr. Addisalem Mulat
The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) has concluded its annual review and discussion forum with heads of regional and zonal branches, focusing on the Society’s performance during the fiscal year and its Annual Operation Plan for the upcoming fiscal year.
During the final session, the Society’s annual performance and audit reports were presented and discussed. Relevant officials and the senior management responded to questions and provided clarifications on the issues raised by participants.
Speaking at the forum, Dr. Addisalem Mulat, ERCS Board Member and representative of youth volunteers, noted the continued decline in global financial support and called on the Society to strengthen domestic resource mobilization to ensure sustainable humanitarian operations.
Dr. Addisalem also emphasized the need to increase women’s participation and representation in decision-making, as well as to develop a clear volunteer succession plan. She further called for greater attention to digitalization, communication, and early warning systems, urging ERCS leaders and staff to uphold the Society’s reputation by effectively fulfilling their responsibilities.
In his closing remarks, Ato Abera Lulessa, Secretary General of ERCS, urged leadership at all levels to develop a strong understanding of the Society’s Strategic Plan, ensure that employees are familiar with it, and closely monitor its implementation. He also stressed the importance of updating procedures to strengthen transparency and accountability.
The Secretary General further emphasized the need to use mobilized resources efficiently and cost-effectively. He called on management to closely monitor projects to ensure they are completed on time and meet required standards, and to take prompt corrective action when challenges arise.
The forum also noted that the first year of implementing the Society’s five-year Strategic Plan has been largely successful, with significant positive changes recorded.
We Live for Humanity!