COMPILED BY BETELHEM BEDLU
With only few weeks past the victory that Ethiopians registered at the World Athletics U20 Championships, ranking third in the medal table with Six Gold, Five Silver, and one Bronze coupled with the recent victory registered at the World Athletics Championship, which took place in Eugene, Oregon (USA), where Ethiopia ranked second after USA, Ethiopians especially women are scoring tremendous success and honoring their country in the face of the world.
It is remembered that few months ago, on April 8, 2022, three Ethiopian women have been ranked among the best 100 Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) in Africa.
These women: Frehiwot Tamru, CEO of the Ethio telecom, Bethlehem Tilahun, founder and Executive Director of soleRebels footwear, and Eleni GabreMadhin, CEO of bluMoon were among the best 100 CEO’s.
This most respected list of Top 100 women CEOs award in Africa was released by Reset Global People in partnership with Avance Media. The list featured top executives from 21 countries managing various organizations in the continent and beyond, it was reported at the time.
The report went on saying that “The 2021 African TOP 100 Women CEOs list aimed to inspire the next generation of women CEOs in Africa and across the world, besides highlighting profit, impact, sustainability and overall influence sustainable development of Africa, Industry and Community as a whole.”
In the same manner, other Ethiopian women have also continued to shine and become the source of pride for their country.
Two days ago, Ergogie Tesfaye, Minister of Women and Social Affairs Ministry was chosen as one of the five distinguished Almuni Awardees of India Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).
The Distinguished Almuni Award was said to be given to ICCR’s alumni who have studied and completed a course in India under ICCR’s massive scholarship program.
Following the nomination, the Minister twitted: “All the glory be unto the Almighty God! My sincere thanks to the Indian government, ICCR, for nominating me for the award! I am also thankful for my Andhra University Gurus! Thank you all who helped me during my journey!”
“Pleased to welcome, Minister of Women and Social Affairs Ergogie Tesfaye of Ethiopia back to India. She personifies the strengthening India-Ethiopia relationship,” tweets EAM S Jaishankar
He also congratulated Minister Ergogie on receiving the ICCR Distinguished Alumni Award.
Ergoge Tesfaye was born and raised in Hosaena, Hadiya, Ethiopia and raised in Addis Ababa, and Hosaena. She was born in a family of teachers and she attended her primary school in her home town. However, leaving her home town when she was grade 2, she resumed her education in capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa.
As she completed grade 10, her family went back to Hosaena, this let Ergoge to complete her secondary school in her home town.
As Ergoge completed her secondary school, she went back to Addis Ababa and joined Addis Ababa University. She has earned her first BA degree in Foreign Language and Literature from Addis Ababa University. She also earned Master of Arts in Gender Studies, and Doctor of Philosophy in Social Anthropology from India.
After completing her BA in Foreign Language and Literature, Ergogie became an English teacher for two years in Gimbichu high school.
She has been serving as Minister for Women and Social Affairs since Oct 2021. Prior to her present portfolio, she held the portfolio of Labor and Social Affairs from Oct 2018 to 2021.
Before she was appointed as Minister, she held the position of Vice President at Research and Community Service in Wachamo University, Director (Gender and HIV/AIDS) Prevention and Control) and Senate Secretary in St Mary’s University in Addis Ababa.
She also served as a lecturer in St. Mary University. She has conducted research and produced various documents pertaining to women, HIV, etc.
She has been actively involved in addressing the issues related to HIV, gender strategy, sexual reproductive health strategies, and anti-sexual harassment policies. She was also instrumental in organizing ‘Artificial Limb Fitment Camp’ in Addis Ababa, supported by Government of India under the ‘India for Humanity’ project and provides help for persons with disabilities.
The camp was set up by Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS)of Jaipur foot fame under ‘India for humanity’ project and provided service to more than 500 persons with disabilities.
These women who have become the pride for their country in various disciplines have proofed that through hard work and commitment that there is nothing that women could not accomplish no matter in what field they are engaged in.
Their success has become not only the glory to their country but it could also become an inspiration for their fellow women who have difficulties towards reaching their dreams. In this regard, it is important to give recognition to such women given the positive impact they can put on people especially women.
As the information obtained from the Ethiopian Embassy in New Delhi, the Indian Embassy in Addis Ababa and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) indicated, Minister Ergoge Tesfaye is the first African awardee to receive ICCR’s best award.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 11 AUGUST 2022
