A consultative workshop titled “Investing in Children for Better Child Rights Outcomes” was organized by Hiwot Ethiopia, in collaboration with Save the Children and the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, along with other relevant sector ministries, on July 18, 2025, in Addis Ababa.

The event brought together key stakeholders to discuss strategic approaches for enhancing investments in children and improving child rights outcomes in Ethiopia. Distinguished attendees included:
H.E. Mr. Desalegn Wodajo, Chairperson of the Plan, Budget, and Finance Standing Committee of the House of People’s Representatives;
H.E. Dr. Abreham Alemayehu, Vice Chair of the same committee;
Mrs. Workesemu Mamo, Chair of the House of People’s Representatives’ Standing Committee on Health, Social Development, Culture and Sport;
Dr. Tadele Burka, Vice Chair of the same committee;
and other esteemed committee members.

Also in attendance was Mrs. Hikema Kaireddin, State Minister at the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, alongside members of the Child Budgeting Technical Team from various ministries, and staff from both Hiwot Ethiopia and Save the Children who actively engaged in the discussions.

During the workshop, participants reviewed and deliberated on two core agenda items:

• The efforts of the Addis Ababa City Government in investing in early childhood care and development programs.
• A newly developed Checklist for Parliamentary Standing Committees to monitor sector ministries’ child rights plans and budgets.

The session was highly interactive, fostering meaningful dialogue and a shared sense of commitment. Leaders of both standing committees, along with the State Minister, expressed firm support for national efforts to prioritize child budgeting in the public budgeting process. They pledged to review and officially endorse the checklist with plans to begin its implementation in the 2018 Ethiopian Calendar (EC).

This workshop marked a significant step forward in aligning government efforts and stakeholder initiatives to ensure sustained investment in the wellbeing and rights of children across Ethiopia.