Tourism and culture in Benishangul improperly promoted: House

• Committee encourages realization of women’s rights

Dec 22, 2019; Addis Ababa: Women, youth and social standing committee of the HoPRs commented; “The Metekel province of Benishangul Gumuz region failed to properly promote its tourism and culture attractions” after paying a visit to the place.

The committee, in its recent visit to the Mandurra district forwarded suggestive opinions to the people in concern to promote the tourist attraction sites and the intangible cultural aspects properly.

On the other hand, it appreciated the identification of tourist sites by experts and the efforts exerted to collect cultural items for exhibit in the mini-museum of Mandurra.

Members of the committee also reminded, because the district is on a junction both to the GERD and sugar projects; extended attention should be paid to the tourism aspects.

The senior expert for communications, culture and tourism case of the district, Ato Lensa Mosissa on his part told the committee; in addition to the small museum, the district owns two clubs presenting shows in various events and celebrations.

“A club named Jamicca entertains its audience providing the cultural values of the society in literature amusement nights. The handicrafts crafted by prisoners are also an aspect of art and income. Four tourist attractions including historical caves and a park are the tourism resources of the district”, Ato Lensa elaborated.

The committee also paid visit to centres mainly focusing on women in Mandurra and Pawi districts of the Metekel province.and encouraged them to fully realize and ensure the women’s rights and benefit.

The committee visited the boarding school for women in Pawi and other women associations like the irrigation association of women assisted by gov’t and NGOs, women producing fuel saving stoves, women engaged in poultry.

It also visited the tentative centre for women at “Mizhouzhougo Lokka”, which was founded by the support from the gov’t of Japan carrying the meaning of light of dawn. It hosts victim women of sexual assault and here in the centre, they are provided with all kinds of assistance including legal ones. They acquire food provision, education, first instance medical aid and the like in the centre.

The committee though appreciated the good works in the province, still reminded to focus on the perspectives which women are in need yet. Job opportunities and market ties are among them, according to the committee. Avoiding harmful traditional practices along with other barriers that hinder women and children from their goals in life should be highly focused; the committee strongly reminded the concerned bodies.

    Translated by Asrat Addisu