A successful woman embodies determination, resilience, and self-confidence. She sets clear goals, works untiringly, and confronts challenges with unwavering focus. Driven by passion, she innovates and inspires those around her. Whether in business, the arts, or community service, she leads with integrity and inspires others through mentorship and support. Her achievements reflect not only personal dedication and perseverance but also a commitment to breaking barriers and challenging societal norms. Her true success lies in the positive influence she has on others—serving as a role model for future generations to pursue their dreams with courage and persistence.
Among such inspiring women, Amelework Abebe is the one. Born and raised in Tulu Dimtu, located in the Akaki Kality Sub-City, southeastern outskirts of Addis Ababa, Amlework has made a lasting impact on Ethiopia’s metals sector development and educational landscape.
She has played a pioneering role in the nation’s metal art industry and is still contributing meaningfully to the development of well-educated citizens by establishing a school.
Remarkably, Amelework was born just a year before the Italian invasion of Ethiopia, a turbulent period that deeply shaped the country’s history. Despite the challenges of that period, she emerged as a beacon of creativity, leadership. Her enduring impact is reflected on the undertakings she was engaged in, overcoming a myriad of personal and familial challenges to emerge victorious.
In exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald, Amelework shared the journey she passed through and the successes she achieved in her endeavors.
“Like any Ethiopian girl, I was raised deeply immersed in the rich culture and values of Ethiopia. At the age of 21, I married my husband, Zeleke Belayneh, a distinguished engineer. Together, we have been blessed with six children—four daughters and two sons—and have cherished a joyful family life.”
According to Amelework, her husband, Zeleke, was a prominent, dedicated figure engaged in metal arts and widely respected for his exceptional skills. His expertise played a pivotal role in major industrial projects, including those in the sugar, tire, and refinery sectors in Assab, as well as in textile factories in Bahir Dar.
Beyond his technical prowess, Zeleke was a devoted husband and a loving father, who ingrained the values of commitment, hard work, perseverance, and honesty not only in his wife but also in his children and colleagues.
In a world where relationships can often feel uncertain, Amelework expresses gratitude for her partner, who prioritized respect and care. She described how Zeleke always put her first, creating a nurturing environment that significantly boosted her self-confidence.
“Mutual respect has been a cornerstone of our relationship. He valued my opinion and feelings, always engaging in meaningful conversations. This foundation fostered a deep sense of trust, allowing us to express ourselves freely without fear of judgment,” she reiterated.
While talking about an incident that demonstrated her openness and the courage to speak what she believes, she stated about a work assignment in Bahir Dar. Her husband had assigned a colleague with the responsibility of paying salaries to employees, entrusting him. However, the unexpected happened—the trusted colleague embezzled the money instead of discharging his responsibility accordingly.
However, no matter how hard he tried to disguise his misdeed, he could not hide it from Amelework. She discovered that he had been misappropriating the funds. She confronted him. It was then that he admitted that he used the money to settle a personal loan owed to the workers.
Upon informing her husband, Zeleke promptly intervened, advocating for honesty and integrity, which ultimately propelled Amelework into leadership within their business. Accepting the position, she confirmed her passion and competence to lead with integrity, commitment and courage though her husband’s role was immense.
Unfortunately, her husband passed away in the prime of his life, in his forties, leaving a profound void in the hearts of his family and all who knew him. However, it was not only his professional accomplishments that left a lasting impression, it was also his unwavering integrity, relentless work ethic, and genuine compassion that truly defined him. He impacted countless lives, quietly inspiring those around him to be better, to do better, to lead with empathy and kindness and to strive for excellence.
In the wake of Zeleke’s untimely passing, well-meaning friends advised Amelework to sell the family property, withdraw from the business, and remarry. Yet, she chose to rely on God instead, asserting her faith as her guiding light. With divine support, she rebuilt her life and business, ultimately achieving remarkable success.
Mainly, her brother, Engineer Fisha Abebe’s, support and contribution at this tiring time was crucial. Emerging as a steadfast pillar of support, he helped her to recover from her sorrow and loneliness and stand by her own feet. Fisha’s untiring support and guidance enabled Amelework to manage and run her metal manufacturing business with newfound clarity and structure. He also hired a skilled engineer to assist her, allowing her to concentrate on the company’s long-term growth and strategy.
Amelework acknowledged the complexities of parenting, stating, “Bringing up children is a tough responsibility. However, with the grace of God, it was done.”
Prioritizing her children’s education, and aiming to ensure that they attend school accordingly, plus to closely monitor their progress, Amelework enrolled them in reputable schools. Luckily, she was successful in her effort and her children have flourished in their life journey.
Today, Amelework takes great pride in her children’s accomplishments, watching them thrive both in Ethiopia and abroad, establishing their own families and making her a grandmother. “It is a blessing to witness their successes,” she remarked. Her nurturing spirit has created a legacy of love, resilience, and the belief that success is attainable through dedication, hard work, and, of course, the grace of the divine.
Amelework, in her nine-decade life journey, played a crucial role in Ethiopia’s metal art industry, leaving her fingerprint in various development endeavors, including in the Ethiopian sugar and textile industries, as well as various small factories. Her factory was the only facility capable of molding large metal pieces, producing significant items such as the metal seal of Emperor Haile Selassie prominently featured on the metal fence of the Addis Ababa University’s Sidest Kilo Campus, along with numerous vehicle license plates. The workshop, thus, played a pioneering role in advancing the nation’s industrial development.
While reflecting on the oppressive measures implemented during the Derg era, she recalls her husband’s distress over the discouragement of private investment, which severely impacted the metal industry. In response to this challenging climate, Amelework took the initiative to raise dairy cows, leading to a flourishing business. She balanced her responsibilities by distributing milk and transporting her children to school. In time, she shifted her focus from dairy farming to establishing a new venture, Ethio-National School.
Ethio National School, situated in Akaki Kality Sub-City, was established nearly 30 years ago, initially enrolling only 50 students from kindergarten to Grade 1. Over the years, it has experienced remarkable growth, driven by Amelework’s tireless commitment and hard work. The school now offers a well-rounded education that equips students for both academic success and life beyond school. With dedicated teachers and innovative teaching approaches, it creates an engaging atmosphere that nurtures strong character and a sense of social responsibility.
Amelework has served as a nurturing figure to countless students whose lives have been shaped by her steadfast commitment and unwavering dedication to education. Her story continues to be a beacon of inspiration, championing the values of faith, diligence, hard work, and compassion. She encourages the younger generation to remain curious, open-minded, and face life’s challenges with courage and perseverance, advocating that true strength lies in empathy, integrity, and the pursuit of knowledge. Equally, she emphasized the significance of accepting and respecting individuals for their true selves, encouraging a spirit of empathy and understanding.
Truly speaking, the story of Amelework offers valuable lessons and inspiration for young people encouraging them to face challenges with bravery, believe in themselves, follow their passions, and make a positive impact even in difficult circumstances.
BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 10 JULY 2025
