Eritrea - Ministry of Information

Women played a tremendous role in bringing independence and peace to Eritrea by fighting along their male counterparts. Efforts to promote gender equality have been underway through policies calling for equal opportunities in terms of access to health care, education, work, land ownership, etc.

By convention, amongst our community ‘Tegadalai’ is a word referred to the freedom fighters of the years of the armed struggle for independence. However, in its lexicon meaning it stands for anyone who strives at the cost of life. Eritrea is simply lucky to have people that don’t hesitate to put their hearts out for any national calls. And their hearts confess an endless desire of wellbeing for the sake of others, peace and stability.

The national union of the Eritrean women (NUEW) organized a two-day symposium at it’s headquarter in ASMARA. The symposium which was held on 29th and 30th June, was declared open by a young members of the NUEW, Ms. Winta Ghebre. After a minute of silence in remembrance of Eritrean fallen heroes, Mrs. Zaid Mesfin gave an opening speech on behalf of the organizing committee.

Last week, Newsweek published an article about Eritrea decrying the internal situation in the country. As has become so common with reports on Eritrea, the article was heavily biased, overly simplistic, filled with stereotypes, and devoid of context, ultimately serving to poignantly encapsulate how coverage of the country is so problematic.

In May, Eritreans fly to reach the heights of happiness and delight by the wings of independence. In June, they are immersed in the sea of commemoration. Happiness is accompanied by remembrance and reverence. Exultation like inebriety is fading without a trace after temporary delight and fervor. June 20th is a special day in Eritrea, one which we set aside to remember our martyrs and renew our commitment to advance their dreams. Martyrs Day and Independence Day are symbolically and politically the most important – inseparable - national holidays of Eritrea.

One of the noble cultures of the Eritrean people is caring and supporting one another. In summer many Eritreans in diaspora come to visit their home land. They come not only to visit their families but also to commemorate Eritrea’s fallen heroes on June 20th. During the armed struggle and in defending Eritrea against the war of aggression of TPLF, the Eritrean diaspora played their role. Eritrea has a great place in the hearts of the diaspora.