HelpAge-Ethiopia

“Beyond Awareness: Making Elder Abuse Preventive Work”
The event, held at Harmony Hotel, was jointly organized by the Ethiopian Elderly and Pensioners National Association (EEPNA), the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, HelpAge Ethiopia, and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission.
More than 180 participants attended the commemoration, representing government institutions, civil society organizations, Older People’s Associations, media organizations, development partners, ministerial offices, and community representatives. Their presence reflected a growing national commitment to protecting the rights, dignity, and well-being of older people.
The event featured remarks from distinguished leaders and advocates, including Mohamed Ahmed, Commissioner of the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission; EEPNA Deputy Board Getachew Kiflu; MoWSA State Minister Representative Tesfaye Robele; and Tewodros Belachew, HelpAge Ethiopia Executive Director.
Across all speeches, one message stood out clearly: awareness alone is no longer enough.
While significant progress has been made in bringing elder abuse into public discourse, millions of older people continue to experience abuse, neglect, exploitation, discrimination, and violence often behind closed doors and without access to support or justice. The challenge before us is not only to recognize elder abuse but to prevent it.
The discussions highlighted the need for stronger legal and policy frameworks, age-responsive social protection systems, accessible reporting and referral mechanisms, community-based prevention efforts, and greater investment in services that protect older people. Equally important is addressing ageism and ensuring that older persons are active participants in decisions that affect their lives.
As Ethiopia advances its development and human rights agenda, protecting older people from abuse and discrimination must remain a collective responsibility. Governments, civil society organizations, communities, families, and individuals all have a role to play in creating a society where every person can age with dignity, safety, and respect.
This year's theme challenges us to move beyond conversations and commitments toward concrete action. Because real change happens when awareness is translated into prevention, protection, and accountability.
Awareness starts the conversation. Action prevents abuse. Together, we can build a future where every older person lives free from violence, neglect, and discrimination.

Global Dialogue to Community Action for Healthy Ageing
Global conversations create momentum, but real change happens in communities.
This message was strongly reflected during the 79th World Health Assembly ( ), where HelpAge Ethiopia joined global partners to advocate for health systems that are inclusive, integrated, and responsive to the realities of ageing populations.
At a side event organized by the World Health Organization, the International Federation on Ageing, and the Government of France, HelpAge International shared lessons from the ALIGN Project, a multi-country initiative launched in 2025 to strengthen person-centered and coordinated care for older people in their communities.
Representing HelpAge Ethiopia, Dr. Lela Alemayehu highlighted the important role civil society organizations play in turning global commitments into practical action at the community level. Strong and responsive health systems are built when communities, frontline health workers, and institutions work together to address people’s needs.
In Ethiopia, the ALIGN Project, implemented in partnership with Tesfa Social & Development Association, is helping strengthen connections between homes, health extension workers, and hospitals so older people can access timely and coordinated care.

Strong Family for a Strong National Narrative: The Art of Passing Identity to the Next Generation

Today, an important Intergenerational Awareness-Raising Workshop was successfully held at the Harmony Hotel in Addis Ababa, bringing together key stakeholders committed to strengthening intergenerational solidarity and promoting the value of older people in society.

The workshop was attended by H.E. Huria Ali, State Minister at the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs (MoWSA), the Deputy Board Chair of the Ethiopian Elderly and Pensioners National Association (EEPNA), and Lij Daniel Jote Mesfin, President of the Ancient Ethiopian Patriots Association. Representatives from civil society organizations, older people’s associations, youth associations, academia, media houses, and other partner institutions also participated in the event.

The workshop aimed to bridge the gap between generations by creating a platform for meaningful dialogue, knowledge exchange, and experience sharing. Discussions highlighted the significant role of Ethiopian older people as custodians of wisdom, culture, history, and national sovereignty.

In her opening remarks, H.E. Huria Ali emphasized the immense value of older people’s experiences and stressed the importance of building strong intergenerational connections to ensure effective knowledge transfer and social cohesion.

Participants also reflected on the importance of preserving the legacy, experiences, and contributions of older people while creating opportunities for younger generations to learn from and engage with them.

The workshop was facilitated by the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs (MoWSA) in collaboration with HelpAge Ethiopia.