She has gone through a lot of ups and downs at her early age. However, because she has a firm belief that every challenge has its own rewards for those who stand unwaveringly and strive to achieve their ambitions, she has determinedly put her heart and soul into her work to realize her childhood dream.
All the obstacles she faced in her path have created a favorable opportunity to realize her dream and reach where she is now, According to her, while she was attempting to overcome the challenges that life threw at her, she found her calling.
Yohana Reta was born and raised in Bishoftu Town, located 42 km away from Addis Ababa. As she always stated, Yohana attributes much of her successes and achievements to her father who was a devoted patriotic man with an unreserved love for Ethiopia; and paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
“My father is my role model. His commitment, diligence, courage, persistence and deep love for his country and his fellowmen have shaped my mind and influenced my attitude positively.”
The values and disciplines he instilled in her continue to serve as the foundation for her current accomplishments. Additionally, the love and support she received from her family have played a crucial role in shaping her future and leading her to gain several international awards.
Yohana’s mother also holds a significant place in her life. Assuming all responsibilities for raising her children with moral values and manners, she epitomized selflessness and compassion. Not only did she care for her own daughters, but she also extended her support to others in need.
Yohana credits her mother for teaching her the true meaning of selflessness, which inspired her to dedicate herself to helping vulnerable children and women. This commitment led her to found the “Safe Heaven Association,” with the assistance of a couple from the Netherlands whom she fortuitously met in her early years.
Yohana is a woman who always aspires to help others. This is particularly true for women, children and youth. Thus, using her past experience together with a vision of supporting others, she has now given her time, money and energy to the educational sector and has founded a higher education institute called ‘Golden Stars College’ that provides education opportunities in Hawassa, Addis Ababa and Hossana. What is more, she has also finalized all the processes to start another organization designed to provide support for women and youth.
Asked to what extent women are active in running higher educational institutes, Yahana said that, in most cases, it is common to observe more men owning and running higher educational institutes (Colleges) than women. Very few women own colleges. “In this regard, I feel that as a responsible Ethiopian woman who cares for women empowerment, I encourage more women to dream big and contribute their share for their sisters. As part of this ambition, I am aggressively working to empower more women to be independent and self-reliant economically. That is why I am providing training for women to improve their leadership skills and have better dreams in their future.”
While talking to what extent her previous experience has helped her to be more successful in her current endeavors, Yohana said: “every human kind joins this world with purpose and reason. I am here to accomplish my purpose- to share what I have to fellow Ethiopians. My father has sacrificed his life for the sake of his motherland. That was his purpose. I also have a purpose for this country. I want to invest in the youth and women. That is what I am doing now. By investing in the education sector, I am endeavoring to generate responsible citizens.”
The future of this country is in the hands of the new generation. The more we cultivate responsible citizens, the more we create a great nation. In this respect, the education sector needs more women investors, as to Yohana.
“I am among those few Ethiopian women who own private higher colleges in Ethiopia. I want to inspire more Ethiopian women to take the risk, if there is any, and involve in the area to generate well educated, responsible and patriot Ethiopians. What is more, as a mother of two, I want to practically show and inspire my children what women can do.”
When asked what challenges she faced during her journey and how she overcame those challenges, Yohana said that life is all about learning from past experiences; scaling up the success with perseverance and going forward. It is an open secret that living in a society that sets gender demarcation has its own negative impact on women. “There are wrong assumptions and gender-based borders that restrict women from engaging in some careers. And whenever a given Ethiopian woman attempts to break that border, there are some groups or individuals who are reluctant to accept and appreciate women`s exceptional competences and skills. This is what I learnt from my experiences.”
According to her, taking responsibilities at home and assuming leadership needs extra energy for every Ethiopian woman. This is the other challenge she used to experience. However, she is able to handle them effectively. “I advise Ethiopian women to have courage and confidence in themselves and take risks to achieve goals. All the ups and downs I have been through are matters that I have drawn a good lesson from and the wins that I am now witnessing are my trophies.”
Concerning the economic rights and benefit of Ethiopian women, Yohana said that the issue of women equality and benefit is already stipulated in the constitution of Ethiopia. This is a great milestone in Ethiopian history. Several women are assuming leadership at the government circle. However, there are still areas that need an intervention. This is specially challenged when it comes to the lower administrative level where women’s benefits are not entertained at the desired level. According to her, the economic rights and benefits of women should be practical going beyond devising a policy and more than paying lip service. It should encourage women to be active players of the economy by giving special support in selected economic sectors such as in agriculture, higher education sector, mining and others.
To the question how she defines Ethiopian women and how she relates March 8 with women, Yohana said that every Ethiopian woman is brave. This is especially true for those mothers and sisters who are shouldering all the responsibilities at home and outside. They are the one who has a great contribution to sustain the family and to the economy of the nation. Most mothers are raising their children in the absence of their husband. Against all the odds, they are the ones who nurture responsible citizens to Ethiopia.
According to Yohana, Ethiopian women are strong and high spirited. However, the current generation has a tendency to take shortcuts instead of taking risks to achieve goals. This is particularly true among the young generation who aspire to get prospered at the expense of others instead of capitalizing on their skill and knowledge. In this regard, I urge Ethiopian girls to develop self-confidence and be a role model to their future children.
Yohana has a dream to empower women and help them live their dreams. “In our country, there are estimated to be 60 million women. However, due to various societal pressures and internal struggles, many women fail to pursue their goals, realize their full potential and meet their dreams. In this regard, I have a vision to empower more Ethiopian women and youth. Using research and community services, training and consultancy, I want to address most of women`s challenges and support the society.”
“Regarding March 8, I consider the Day special not only to women but to all human kinds because it is the Day we honor our mothers, sisters, wives and daughters. But, it is also my firm belief that every day is “Women`s day!!” as far as we work to lessen the burden of women, to eliminate discrimination and ensure their full rights.
BY LEULSEGED WORKU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 8 MARCH 2024
