Inspiring stories and beautiful photographic portraits of sixty-four phenomenal contemporary Ethiopian women who have broken through age-old barriers to advance in their fields. Each woman tells her own story—where she came from, what challenges she faced, what helped her succeed, what inspires her, and what thoughts she has for girls and young women growing up today. They come from a broad array of fields of endeavor and range in age from their 20s to their 90s. They are phenomenal!
Temsalet is an Amharic word that means ‘shining example.’ Our hope is that these women’s stories will inspire today’s girls and young women, convincing them that they too can move beyond society’s narrow expectations for them and realize their own dreams.
Edited and compiled by Mary-Jane Wagle with photography by Aida Muluneh, Temsalet is a project of the Network of Ethiopian Women’s Associations, working to advance women’s equality and women’s rights in Ethiopia, and is published by Tsehai Publishers of Los Angeles, California. In addition to the women’s stories, Temsalet features a foreword by First Lady Roman Tesfaye and an essay on women in Ethiopian history by Rita Pankhurst. NEWA benefited from the counsel of an Advisory Board of sixteen prominent women and the research, interviewing and storycrafting help of twenty volunteer university graduates.
Preface
Foreword
Introduction
A Glimpse of Ethiopian Women in History
1. Abebech Gobena Heyie: Humanitarian, Non-profit Leader
2. Aida Ashenafi Tessema: Film Director, Producer, Businesswoman
3. Alemtsehay Wedajo Goshu: Actress, Playwright, Poet, Advocate for the Arts
4. Captain Amsale Gualu Endegnanew: Airline Captain
5. Brigadier General Askale Berhane Tedla: Military Officer, Lawyer, Freedom Fighter
6. Atsedeweine Tekle Riggio: Lawyer, Judge, Women’s Rights Activist
7. Azeb Worku Sibane: Actress, Writer, Director, Producer
8. Berhane Asfaw Ras-Work: International Social Activist, Educator
9. Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu: Global Footwear Entrepreneur with a Social Conscience
10. Bogaletch Gebre Kabre: Community Development Leader, Scientist
11. Bruktawit Tigabu Tadesse: Children’s Television Program Creator and Producer, Educator
12. Brutawit Dawit Abdi: Banking Executive, Economist, Financial Consultant
13. Dr. Catherine Hamlin: Doctor, Humanitarian, Maternal Health Advocate
14. Derartu Tulu Gemechu: World Championship Athlete, Businesswoman
15. Desta Hagos Tekle: Artist
16. Dr. Eleni Zaude Gabre-Madhin: Agricultural Economist, Public-Private Corporate Executive, Entrepreneur
17. Dr. Emebet Mulugeta Tefera: Scholar, Researcher, Educator, Advocate for Girls’ Education
18. Fatuma Hate Hafilo: Activist for Women, Non-profit Leader
19. Fetenu Bekele Gebremeskel: Gender and Development Expert and Activist
20. Frealem Shibabaw Yeneabat: Development Professional, Social Entrepreneur
21. Hirut Yohannes Derare: Dairy and Milk Product Businesswoman
22. Dr. Jember Teferra Gebremariam: Nurse, Community Development Leader, Author
23. Kebedech Tekleab Araya: Painter, Sculptor, Poet, Professor
24. Kongit Sinegiorgis Woldemariam: Ambassador
25. Maria Munir Yusuf: Judge, Lawyer, Non-profit Leader, Activist for Women
26. Marta Mesele Woldemariam: Construction Tower Crane Operator
27. Meaza Ashenafi Mengistu: Lawyer, Activist for Women’s Rights, Women’s Bank Founder
28. Meaza Birru Gebrewold: Print and Radio Journalist, Media Entrepreneur
29. Medhin Kiros Gebretekle: Entrepreneur, Construction Contractor
30. Dr. Mehila Zebenigus Wuhib: Neurologist, Internist
31. Meshu Baburi Dekebo: Community Leader, Activist for Women
32. Meskerem Assegued Bantiwalu: Art Curator, Environmental and Cultural Activist
33. Dr. Mulualem Gessesse Tesema: Neonatologist
34. Mulualem Tadesse Woldemariam: Actress, Director, Producer
35. Negatwa Lasab Woldemariam: Potter, Trainer, Cooperative Leader
36. Nuria Abdullahi Jami: Member of Regional Parliament, Public Servant, Activist for Women
37. Rahel Shawl Zelleke: Architect
38. Salem Mekuria: Filmmaker, Professor
39. Samia Zekaria Gutu: Public Sector Leader, Agricultural Statistician
40. Sara Abera Alemu: Fashion Designer, Businesswoman, Social Entrepreneur
41. Selome Taddesse Mihertu: Social Activist, Entrepreneur, Inspirational Speaker, Media Executive
42. Sinknesh Ejigu Woldemariam: Federal Government Minister of Mines, Analytical Chemist, Ambassador
43. Sophie Yilma Deressa: Journalist, Public Relations Professional, Political Party Activist
44. Dr. Tadelech Atomssa Keyeta: Physicist, Educator, Researcher
45. Tadelech Haile Mikael Feldasso: First Minister of Women’s Affairs, Ambassador, Activist for Women
46. Takelu Ambaye Abebe: Micro Business Entrepreneur, Disability Activist
47. Tirhas Mezgebe Gebremedhin: Social Activist, Women’s Health and Community Development Leader
48. Tirunesh Dibaba Kenene: World Championship Athlete, Businesswoman
49. Tsahai Yitbarek Tegegne: Social Worker, Non-profit Leader, International Civil Servant
50. Emahoy Tsegue Mariam Guebru: Nun, Pianist, Composer
51. Tsigie Haile Woldegiorgis: Women’s Development Leader and Activist
52. Tsion Michael Andom: Fashion Designer, Entrepreneur, Volunteer Fundraiser
53. Tsiwahab Tadesse Tesfagiorgis: Member of Parliament, Civil Servant, Freedom Fighter and Commander
54. Emahoy Welete Mariam Gelaw: Nun, Community Leader, Sustainable Farmer
55. Wongel Tesfaye Berehe: Policewoman, Detective
56. Wubalem Mengist Sewagegn: Farmer, Environmentalist, Educator, Activist for Women
57. Dr. Yalemtsehay Mekonnen Taddesse: Professor, Biologist, Researcher
58. Yetnebersh Nigussie Molla: Lawyer, Entrepreneur, Activist for Inclusion
59. Dr. Yeweyenhareg Feleke Gebreyes: Medical Doctor, Professor
60. Sister Zebider Zewdie Yiteyew: Nurse, Community Development Leader
61. Zemi Yenus: Entrepreneur, Activist for Young People with Autism and Their Families
62. Zeritu Kebede Woldegiorgis: Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Screenwriter, Producer, Social Activist
63. Zewdie Abegaz Yimam: International Civil Servant, Activist for Women
64. Zufan Ibrahim Yemam: Handweaving and Bamboo Entrepreneur, Skills Trainer
Summary Biographies
Temsalet’s Godmothers – Advisory Group Members
Temsalet’s Sisters – Interns and Volunteers
Photographer's Note
Acknowledgements
Sponsoring Organization
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