malkia_shiferaw

Ethiopian educator who transformed women's access to education and political participation

Malkia Shiferaw (1918–2006) was a visionary educator and social reformer who dramatically expanded educational opportunities for Ethiopian women. Born in Addis Ababa during a time when female literacy rates were below 5%, she founded the Women's Development and Education Center in 1955 - the first institution in Ethiopia offering vocational training to women. Her advocacy led to the establishment of the Ethiopian Federation of Women, which trained over 10,000 women in literacy and leadership skills.

Shiferaw pioneered the integration of girls into mainstream education by establishing the Shiferaw Girls' School, which became a model for gender-inclusive education. She also played a key role in passing Ethiopia's 1962 Family Law, which granted women property rights and legal protections. Her work laid the foundation for modern Ethiopian women's rights movements. Learn more at Ethiopian Women's Heritage.