COMPILED BY BETELHEM BEDLU
Over the years, women have had extraordinary contributions to society and showed remarkable triumphs and unmatched courage in the fields they are engaged in. Regardless of the gender inequalities across all sectors, women have continued to thrive and beat the odds.
Not only did they played an enormous role and embody resilience, perseverance, confidence and courage in their works, but they have proved that they know their worth and what they are capable of accomplishing.
Reputation Poll International (RPI), a leading global reputation firm, has released the 2023 list of 100 Most Reputable Africans. The list features individuals from diverse sectors including; Governance/Leadership, Entertainment, Human rights/Advocacy, Education, and Business, as to RPI official page.
This strategic consultancy agency that has specialized in corporate Reputation management, named four Ethiopians amongst the 100 Most Reputable Africans list with selection criteria of Integrity, Visibility, and Impact.
This annual compilation list of the continent’s most respected and admired individuals, incorporated President Sahle-Work Zewde, Fitsum Assefa, Ethiopia’s Planning and Development Minister, Health Minister, Dr. Lia Tadesse, as well as Former Foreign Affairs Minister, Workneh Gebeyehu.
Sahle-Work Zewde, Ethiopia’s first female President, was elected into office by members of Ethiopia’s Federal Parliamentary Assembly on October 25, 2018. Besides that, Sahle-Work has held several leadership positions in the UN. She was the second woman in Ethiopia’s history to serve as an ambassador after Yodit Emiru.
She served as an Ethiopian Ambassador to several countries for almost two decades. For instance, she was an Ambassador to Senegal, Djibouti and France and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), a regional trade bloc in East Africa.
Also, she was the Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the African Unions and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), as well as the UN Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and was accredited to Tunisia and Morocco from 2002 to 2006.
Then, she joined the UN as Assistant Secretary-General and Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, and Head of the UN Integrated Peace-building Office in the Central African Republic (BINUCA) until 2011. President Sahle-Work is highly passionate about women’s empowerment and gender equality.
Also, she has gained widespread recognition including being one of the most powerful women in Africa and the world.
The second person who was enlisted on RPI was Fitsum Assefa. She is an Ethiopian teacher and politician who lead the FDRE Minister of Planning and Development since 16 October 2018. She also has been a member of Commercial Bank of Ethiopia’s Board of directors since 24 December 2018.
She earned her undergraduate degree from Addis Ababa University in Accounting and Master of Arts in Development Studies from the same university. She completed her Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Economics at the University of Giessen, Germany, and taught more than a decade in the University of Hawassa.
Similarly, Dr. Lia Tadesse Gebremedhin who was also listed among the 100 Most Reputable Africans became the Minister of Health of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in March 2020.
Prior to this appointment, she served as State Minister of Health since November 2018, leading the national health programs under the Health Sector Transformation Strategy.
Dr. Lia is an obstetrician and gynecologist with extensive experience as a clinician, in health care leadership, academia, and hospital and program management, with over 20 years’ experience.
Prior to joining the Ministry of Health, Dr. Lia Tadesse served as Program Director at the University of Michigan’s Center for International Reproductive Health Training (CIRHT) in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she has successfully partnered with several institutions, in both Ethiopia and Rwanda, to increase the quality of reproductive health services and training.
The list also featured several influential women, including Ghana’s Afua Kyei (the Chief Financial Officer at the Bank of England, where she leads the Finance Directorate).
Very prominent personalities were also featured on the list include Kenya’s Amina Chawahir Mohamed, South Africa’s Bonang Mohale, Chancellor at the University of the Free State and Professor at Johannesburg Business School; and Cameroon’s Njoya Tiku, Manager of the UNDP Regional Office in West and Central Africa.
In addition to the individuals recognized on Reputation Poll International’s “100 Most Reputable Africans” list for their various achievements, there are also those who are celebrated for their contributions to social impact and social entrepreneurship, helping to transform businesses in Africa and positively impacting lives without causing controversy, according to the report.
The list, compiled by Reputation Poll International (RPI) recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective fields and have built a strong reputation.
This year’s list features a diverse group of individuals from various sectors, including politics, business, entertainment, and human rights advocacy. Some of the notable names listed in the business category include Kenya’s Amina Chawahir Mohamed; South Africa’s Bonang Mohale, Chancellor at the University of the Free State and Professor at Johannesburg Business School; and Cameroon’s Njoya Tiku, Manager of the UNDP Regional Office in West and Central Africa, Egypt’s Naguib Onsi Sawiris, Chairman of Weather Investment’s parent company; Ghana’s Sir Samuel Esson Jonah, chancellor of the University of Cape Coast and executive chairman of Jonah Capital; South Africa’s Carol Bouwer; Nigeria’s Dr Dauda Lawal, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Credent Capital and Advisory.
The 100 Most Reputable Africans list is a meaningful way to recognize and celebrate the achievements of individuals making a positive impact in Africa and worldwide. These individuals serve as role models and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.
In addition to their professional accomplishments, many of the individuals on the list are also known for their human rights and advocacy efforts. For example, Martha K. Koome, Chief Justice of Kenya, and Nigeria’s Aisha Yesufu were both featured in this category.
Overall, the 100 Most Reputable Africans list is a testament to the strength and resilience of the African continent. It highlights the achievements of individuals who are working to improve the lives of others and make a positive impact on the world. The list is an inspiration to all Africans and a reminder of the many talented and accomplished individuals making a difference in the world.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 5 JANUARY 2023
