BY BETELHEM BEDLU
Major General Tiruye Assefe is the first women Major General in Ethiopia. She is the Director of Women Affairs Directorate within the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF).
She was born and raised in Seqota, Wagemera Zone. She has received her first degree in Accounting and her second degree in Leadership from Admas University College and Civil Service University respectively.
Growing up with her parents who were in favor of the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Party (EPRP) at the time, (Life) things were not bed of roses and the entire family had compelled to go through rough times. With the situation getting even harder, they were forced to stand against the then government and decided to join the struggle with EPRDF.
Following the downfall of the Derg regime, and the formulation of a new national defense force in 1995, Major General Tiruye was able to join the military and became one of the members.
The Ethiopian Herald had a short stay with the First Women Major General Tiruye Assefe to talk about her journey and experience in the military. Enjoy your reading!
How do you describe being a soldier?
A soldier is someone who is willing to sacrifice his own life, which is the one thing that will not be replaced by anything, to protect its country and citizens. When you are a soldier, you give your life for the country you are fighting for.
I believe that a soldier defines a true patriotism and love for one country. In a country like Ethiopia which has more than 80 nations and nationalities, coming together for the same goal of protecting and ready to die for a nation, has an indescribable feeling.
Having different cultures, norms, values and even language, do not tear us apart since we have the same reason to be there. Therefore, we dine, laugh, train and fight together. Being around with all of those people with different backgrounds, gives you a different feeling, after all, you have the same mission: a mission which you are willing to defend the sovereignty of your country through sacrificing your life.
What is the difficult aspect of being a woman and soldier at the same time?
A life of a soldier has never been easy. Whenever it is and wherever we are, we are expected to be alert, standby and ready to obey to our superiors. We are always in the process of upgrading our status and fitness.
Nevertheless, the difficult aspect of being a female soldier never lies on their incompetence in effectively performing the mission and responsibilities that came along with being a soldier. The nature, however, makes it somehow harder for most females. Unlike their male counterparts, women are destined to deal with some natural gifts.
Those hard situations, coupled with the natural process of the female body, the pain and discomfort, as well as the expected unfavorable conditions that they might be at those moments, make it hard to bear. I believe that the only constraint that most of them face in the army is not with their inefficiency to perform their duty but comes only with nature.
Surprisingly, the entire heroines who have served and make their country proud have gone through those difficult times but were able to overcome it.
In what ways did you manage to balance the family and military life?
When you are woman, you have multi-roles as we are a wife, a mother and at the same time a soldier. Our leadership role starts at home as we are naturally gifted to manage things. Once you have made up your mind and know your responsibilities, you will be able to manage it accordingly.
Though it might seem hard at first, I have managed to balance my family and military life. Just like their male counterparts, women can accomplish and be successful in whatever they may do. There are several women who have proved how women are capable enough in carrying out multiple tasks and be good at in what they do.
Unfortunately, growing up in a society who has a deep seated stereotype that have persistent influence on women, most of us are circumscribed to accept and live towards that. In fact, many have shown their capacities and strength when they were given opportunities in several areas such as in leadership positions.
How do you describe the feeling of being the first woman Major General in Ethiopia?
In military science, there is no a single thing that you can accomplish by yourself. Everything is teamwork unless few are considered to be models for others.
Being the first woman Major General is overwhelming. But one thing I want to make out of it is that it could be an indication for all women that they can achieve anything if they put their mind on it. Through developing a strong mentality, they can pass through tough situations.
It is important to note that women are naturally gifted with a number of good qualities that could be interpreted to several things. Effective use of their potentials, not only lead them to be Major General, but they can also be whatever they dreamed of.
What is your take on the participation of women in decision making and leadership positions comparing with the previous experiences on the nation?
It is undeniable fact that the involvement of women in the leadership and decision making positions has greatly expanded through time. The appearance of the first ever woman President as well as appointing of fifty percent of women in the cabinet is the best example in this regard.
The women who are assigned in the leadership positions have clearly indicated that they are worth giving an opportunity to contribute their part for the growth of the country. For the nation to be able to prosper, people need to be given equal opportunities as it helps them contribute their share.
What do you hope to share with our reader?
Bravery would have a better meaning if one achieved something through bearing the obstacles with firm and diligent move. I say that women need to be strong and fight back any hurdles that might be on their way to success.
If women are provided with equal opportunity with men, I think we have shown that we can accomplish anything. Thus, the government as well as everyone should take part in empowering women in any way possible.
Those women who have already climbed the ladder should stretch their hands to those who are taking their first step to success. By improving our selves as well as seizing the opportunities that are available, we have to be active and contribute our share.
The Ethiopian Herald February 20/2021
