Asnakech Worku

Ethiopian educator and physician who pioneered women's healthcare and education in early 20th century Africa

Dr. Asnakech Worku (1907-1975) was a trailblazing Ethiopian physician and educator who made groundbreaking contributions to women's healthcare and education in a male-dominated society. Born in Harar, she defied cultural norms by pursuing medical studies in Europe, becoming Ethiopia's first female physician in 1936. Upon returning to Ethiopia, she established the country's first women's hospital in Addis Ababa, providing critical healthcare services while simultaneously operating a school for girls from underserved communities. Her dual focus on healthcare and education created a sustainable model for empowering women that influenced national policies. Dr. Worku's work is highlighted in the Ethiopian History Archive and her legacy is preserved at the Asnakech Worku Memorial Hospital. She also authored foundational texts on public health including 《Ethiopian Women's Health Practices》, which remains a key reference in medical anthropology studies.