Message from The President

Welcome Message

It is my honor and privilege to serve as the president of this newly established Ethiopian women’s organization, Center for the Rights of Ethiopian Women (CREW). CREW was established as an outcome of a successful international conference on Ethiopian women in the Diaspora that was held in March 2012. It is a non-profit, non-government, peace and human rights organization dedicated to promoting the rights of Ethiopian women worldwide through education and advocacy.

Since its establishment on March 25, 2012, CREW has addressed a number of critical issues that pertain to the rights of Ethiopian women worldwide. Soon after it was created, the organization focused on the plight of Ethiopian women domestic workers in the Middle Eastern countries. Accordingly, it has launched a campaign to create awareness about the slavery-like situations in which the Ethiopian domestic workers live and to challenge the international community to address their situations. Other critical issues related to the rights of Ethiopian women worldwide are also being addressed.

Our members are committed to building a credible and strong independent women’s organization that will stand firmly for the respect of the rights of Ethiopian women worldwide. We believe that women’s rights are human rights. Understanding the complex issues of gender equality in the context of the political, cultural and economic milieu in Ethiopia is important. A transformative approach is required in order to empower women so that they could advance their rights. Ethiopian women’s active involvement in order to bring about peace, equality and democracy is vital to the development of our society. CREW will collaborate with all organizations that promote the rights of women.

In order to realize our goals, we need the support of the members of our community and others who believe, cherish and uphold the essence of human rights. We invite you to get involved by becoming a member, sponsoring events or donating money. We all have a responsibility to promote the basic rights of people, the respect of the rule of law, and help create a tolerant environment where peace, human dignity, and democratic values flourish.

Sincerely,

Maigenet Shifferraw

Maigenet Shifferraw, Ph.D.
Former President, Center for the Rights of Ethiopian Women (CREW)