Example of good practice: National theatre women empowerment programme
Empowering Ethiopian women and increase the gender balance and access to culture, as an audience member and as an artist.
This programme is an illustration of a good practice in terms of implementation of the gender equally strategy, compulsory for every agency in Ethiopia.
Every Sunday, «Yekaki Wurdot», a contemporary Gurage play about an empowered women who, during Emperor Tweodros period (mid 19 century), was asking for gender equality, is performed in Amharic.
This project is not only promoting women leadership in the content for the play, it also empowers professional women at every level of the production.
During the afternoon, extra shows are often performed with free entrance for targeted audience in the National Theatre (women associations, girl schools...) or at Addis Abeba University in open air.
A one week tour in Debre Zeit, Awasa and Gurage region.
An increase in the number of women attending the National Theatre and performing Art in general.
A change in the audience perception of women in Ethiopian context.
Enhancing women performers' experience.
The 1.5 million Birr (1 USD is equivalent to 20 odds Birr) overhead cost this program is covered by the Gurague association
Financing by the National theater.
This ongoing programme is a success. Women audience came with support letters, benefited from the 50% price discuount or even for free.
35 women are working on the project (including directing). The show is one of the most popular in 2014 and since then.