NEW YORK – Ethiopia has been awarded the prestigious United Nations Population Award 2024 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in recognition of its significant strides in combatting child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM). The accolade was presented during a ceremony at the United Nations Headquarters.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, Minister Ergogie Tesfaye accepted the award on behalf of the National Alliance to End Child Marriage and FGM. During the ceremony, Minister Tesfaye outlined the Ethiopian government's multifaceted approach to eradicating violence against women and harmful practices, emphasizing the importance of this international recognition in strengthening Ethiopia’s commitment to gender equality and empowerment of women and girls.

The National Alliance to End Child Marriage and FGM, which was founded in 2012, received the award in the institutional category. This collaborative platform coordinates efforts across government sectors, civil society organizations, UN agencies, and other partners to drive policies and strategies aimed at eliminating these harmful practices. The United Nations Population Award, established in 1981, honors remarkable contributions toward population issues and reproductive health, recognizing both individuals and institutions for their efforts.

The award ceremony saw participation from various United Nations leaders, international delegates, and representatives from member states, underscoring the global support for initiatives that promote gender equality and protect women's health and rights.