In every corner of society, women are leading the way. From the working-class individuals in the hurried markets to the students striving for knowledge in the classroom, from the stay-at-home moms to C-Suite ladies, the advocates championing change in their communities, each woman is worth celebrating in her own right. We don’t see womanhood as something to be overcome with ‘resilience’ or ‘determination’— buzzwords common around this time of year. We perceive womanhood as a wellspring of inherent strength and profound wisdom, a foundation upon which societies have been built and nurtured. It is a testament to every woman’s creativity, intelligence, and leadership, qualities that should be celebrated and leveraged for societal progress. Rather than framing the female experience as one riddled with hurdles, as it may well be, today, we champion embracing and amplifying women’s unique perspectives and capabilities in every sphere of life. This approach not only honors the intrinsic value of women but also paves the way for a more inclusive and equitable world where every individual’s potential can be fully realized without the constraints of outdated stereotypes or expectations.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us honor and uplift these extraordinary individuals in our homes, workplaces, schools, and everywhere else. Remember that they embody strength and deserve respect, love, and celebration.
Here’s to the women of Ethiopia— we celebrate your innate value and integrity! We hope for an Ethiopia where your input, participation, and leadership are valued, welcomed, and celebrated.
Happy International Women’s Day!
Business Owners (10 Years and above)
Name | Position | Company Name | Business Category | Est | Duration |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Genet Kebede | Founder and Creative Director | Paradise Fashion | Fashion & Textile | 1992 | 32 Years |
Menna Selamu Bekele | Co-Founder | FLIPPER INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL | Education | 1999 | 25 Years |
Meaza Birru | Co-Founder & General Manager | Sheger FM | Media | 2000 | 24 Years |
Akiko Seyoum | Founder and CEO | Orchid Business Group | Tech | 2000 | 24 Years |
Anna Getaneh | Founder, Managing Director & Creative Director | Afrian Mosaique | Fashion & Textile | 2000 | 25 Years |
Dr. Emebet Gezahegn | Founder | Dr. Emebet Dental Clinic | Healthcare | 2000 | 26 Years |
Tilksew Gedamu | Owner | IRONLADY International Investment Group | Hospitality | 2000 | 27 Years |
Dr. Selam Aklilu | Founder | 1st Chiropractic Clinic | Healthcare | 2001 | 23 Years |
Gizeshwork Tessema | Founder and CEO | GIZE PLC | Trade | 2002 | 22 Years |
Amakelech Lulu | General Manager | Gishen Pharmacy | Healthcare | 2004 | 20 Years |
Rahel Shawl | Founder & Principal | RAAS Architects | Business/Industry | 2004 | 20 Years |
Amelework Gidey | Founder & Managing Director | Technostyle | Business/Industry | 2004 | 20 Years |
Sara Mohammed | Founder and CEO | Next Fashion Design College | Fashion & Textile | 2004 | 20 Years |
Emebet Woldeher | Owner & General Manager | Bora Amusement Park | Hospitality | 2005 | 19 Years |
Biruktawit Tigabu | Founder & General Manager | Whiz Kids Workshops | Media | 2005 | 19 Years |
Tsedey Asrat | CEO | Kaldis Coffee | Hospitality | 2005 | 19 Years |
Bilen Aynu | General Manager | Savour Addis | Hospitality | 2006 | 18 Years |
Salem Kassahun | Owner & General Manager | Salem’s Ethiopia | Fashion & Textile | 2007 | 17 Years |
Lydia Addis | Owner & General Manager | Le Chateau Import & Export PLC | Trade | 2007 | 17 Years |
Hilina Belete | CEO | Hilina enriched foods | Business/Industry | 2008 | 16 Years |
Yoadan Tilahun | Founder and CEO | Flawless Events | Hospitality | 2008 | 16 Years |
Wudassie Enquberhan | Deputy General Manager | Wudassie and Family Business PLC | Trade | 2009 | 15 Years |
Rahel Boon-Dejene | Founder and CEO | R&D Group | Trade | 2010 | 14 Years |
Samrawit Fikru | Co-Founder and CEO | Hybrid Designs | Tech | 2011 | 13 Years |
Mahlet Afework | Founder and CEO | Mafi Mafi | Fashion & Textile | 2011 | 13 Years |
Bethlehem Berhane | Founder | Entoto beth artisan | Trade | 2012 | 12 Years |
Samrawit Mersiehazen | Founder And CEO | Samra Leather Bags | Fashion & Textile | 2012 | 12 Years |
Tihitina Legesse | Managing Director | Waryt Furniture | Trade | 2013 | 11 Years |
Notable leaders in institutions and corporations
Name | Current Position | Institution | Notable Positions | Sector | Duration |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sahle-Work Zewde | President/Head of State | Office of the President | Permanent Representative to IGAD | Public Administration | 6 years |
Zinash Tayachew | First Lady | Office of the First Lady | First Lady | Public Administration | 6 years |
Chaltu Sani | Minister | Ministry of Urban development and Infrastructure | Infrastructure | 3 years | |
Mekdes Daba | Minister | Ministry of Health | World Health Organization Team Lead | Health | 1 month |
Aynalem Negussie | Minister | Ministry of Revenues | |||
Muferihat Kamil Ahmed | Minister | Ministry of Labour and Skills Development | Minister of Peace | Labor | 3 years |
Aisha Mohammed Musa | Minister | Ministry of Irrigation and Lowland Areas Development | Minister of Construction and Urban Development | Infrastructure | 3 years |
Fitsum Assefa Adela (Dr.) | Minister | Ministry of Planning and Development | Board member of Commercial Bank of Ethiopia | Development | 6 years |
Nassise Chali | Minister | Ministry of Tourism | Ambassador of Ethiopia to Canada | Tourism | 3 years |
Ergoge Tesfaye | Minister | Ministry of Women, Children and Youth | Minister of Labour and Skills Development | Social | 3 years |
Adanech Abebe | Mayor of Addis Ababa | Mayor's Office of Addis Ababa | Federal Attorney General | Public Administration | 3 years |
Rising Business Leaders
Name | Year of Establishment | Startup Name | Position | Sector |
---|---|---|---|---|
Betelhem Dessie | 2013 | iCog- Anyone Can Code | CEO | Technology |
Bethelhem Dejene | 2017 | Zafree Papers | Founder & CEO | Business/Industry |
Feven Tsehaye | 2020 | Chakka origins | Founder & CEO | Healthcare |
Kalkidan Mulugeta | 2017 | ClearSkies ICT Consultancy | Co Founder & General Manager | Technology |
Kidist Tesfaye | 2021 | Yene Health | CEO | Healthcare |
MICKAL MAMO | 2019 | Adey Pads | Founder & CEO | Healthcare |
Nebiyat Demeke | 2017 | Rohobot Nursing Service | Founder & General Manager | Healthcare |
Rekik Bekele | 2016 | Green Scene energy plc | Founder & CEO | Technology |
Ruth Yohannes | 2019 | The Talent Firm | Founder & General Manager | Business/Industry |
Samrawit Tarekegn | 2020 | Mogzit | Founder & CEO | Hospitality |
Sara Yirga | 2012 | Cherish Addis Coffee & Books and YA Coffee | Founder & General Manager | Business/Industry |
Selamawit Alemu | 2020 | Fidel Tutorial | Founder & CEO | Education |
SEMHAL GUESH | 2017 | KABANA LEATHER. | Founder & CEO | Fashion & Textile |
Yididia Damtew | 2018 | Aklil company | Founder & CEO | Fashion & Textile |
Disclaimer: While Ethiopia is home to countless remarkable women, this selection represents only those who have recently captured our attention.