Globally, March is a time to celebrate and honor women not only for what they have achieved, but for the dreams they continue to pursue every day. At Imagine1day, this month is a moment to amplify what we are committed to all year long: advancing gender equality and building inclusive, equitable systems for women and girls.
As a gender-responsive organization, we center the needs, voices, and aspirations of women and girls in everything we do. While March allows us to elevate this work, our commitment extends throughout the year, ensuring that education is not only accessible but also safe, empowering, and transformative to girls.
This year, we joined partners and communities to mark March 8 under the theme “Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls.” Across our regions, we celebrated together with government leaders, educators, and community members, recognizing both the progress made and the work still ahead. Our commitment was reflected in action as women from our country office participated in the 5K Women First Great Run held on March 22 in Addis Ababa.
We also created space for reflection and inspiration through our virtual salon, “Rising Voices: Changemakers’ Circle.” Three remarkable women shared their journeys: the challenges they overcame to pursue education, the barriers many girls still face, and the actions needed to ensure equitable access to quality education across Ethiopia.
As we move forward, Imagine1day remains highly committed to advancing gender equality through education. We believe that when girls are equipped with knowledge, skills, and confidence, they become powerful agents of lasting change in their families, communities, and beyond.
This March and every day, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and limitless potential of women and girls everywhere.
Collaboration Across the Education Ecosystem for Lasting Impact
The Board Chair of Imagine1day, Ken Mackenzie, accompanied by his wife, Joy, joined Chief Executive Officer Dr. Seid Aman and the Senior Management Team on a visit to Dodola High School construction project. This project is fully financed by the Oromia Education Bureau and implemented by Imagine1day.
During the visit, the delegation observed the progress of the construction and engaged with key stakeholders. The visit provided an opportunity to review the current status of the work on the ground, exchange feedback, and strengthen coordination among partners. The team also provided direction to accelerate the construction work and address any emerging challenges. The team reaffirmed their shared commitment to completing the project on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. Imagine1day further reaffirmed its commitment to providing the necessary support at all times to ensure the successful completion of the project.
The team extended their visit to Wabe Primary School, where they inaugurated the Early Childhood Education (ECE) classroom. This milestone reflects ongoing efforts to expand access to quality early learning opportunities and support children’s foundational development at an early age. In addition, they visited Edo Primary School, where they toured the ongoing school construction, including the library and gender-segregated latrines. interacted with school representatives and gained further insight into the needs and progress of the school community.
Furthermore, representatives led by Mr. Fassikaw Molla, Deputy Director General of the Authority for Civil Society Organizations, visited selected Imagine1day past project schools. The purpose of this engagement was to assess the sustainability of the projects and to evaluate how the implemented interventions continue to benefit and serve communities over time.
As noted by Mr. Fassikaw Molla, “The community-led approach demonstrated by Imagine1day has played a critical role in ensuring the sustainability of these interventions. Projects rooted in community participation are more resilient and responsive to local needs. When communities are actively involved, they develop a strong sense of ownership, which is essential for long-term impact.” He further added, “This model empowers communities to take responsibility for maintaining and building on these achievements and the benefits of these interventions continue well beyond the project cycle.”
He and his team also expressed their commitment to supporting Imagine1day’s ongoing initiatives and emphasized the importance of strengthening this partnership to further advance education and long-term development.