Addis Ababa: Minister of Women and Social Affairs, Ergoge Tesfaye, has lauded the increasing contributions of women to Ethiopia's national development and voluntary service initiatives. In her exclusive interview with ENA, She emphasized the government's commitment to fostering a supportive environment for women's participation. A cornerstone of this effort is the newly developed Voluntary Service Policy, designed to streamline and expand volunteer opportunities. She highlighted the policy's potential to significantly increase women's involvement in community-driven projects. This year's voluntary service program, involving over 24 million youth nationwide, showcases the growing momentum of women's leadership. The minister commended women's unique ability to understand community challenges and their inspiring role models for problem-solving. Beyond voluntary service, women are also making significant strides in the government's Development Dividend Initiative. She praised their achievements in sectors like agriculture, livestock, and beekeeping, highlighting their potential to drive the country's economic growth. The Minister underscores the critical role women play in Ethiopia's progress and the government's dedication to empowering them as key drivers of change. Ergoge also highlighted the impressive participation of women in the Gree Legacy Initiative and that their contributions to the program have been exceptionally positive. 'Women are at the forefront of this year's Green Footprint program, particularly in driving the 'Dine for Ethiopia' Initiative launched by the Prime Minister. Source: Ethiopian News Agency