Sahle-Work Zewde

Ethiopia's first female president promoting gender equality and political stability during a turbulent period.

Biography

Sahle-Work Zewde became Ethiopia's first female president in 2018, marking a historic milestone for gender representation in African politics. Born in 1954, she began her career as a diplomat, serving in key roles at the United Nations and Ethiopia's foreign ministry. Her leadership during Ethiopia's 2020 political transition, including Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's reforms, underscored her commitment to national unity and reconciliation. She has been vocal about women's empowerment, leveraging her platform to advocate for female participation in governance through initiatives like the UN Women partnership programs.

Key Achievements

Zewde's tenure emphasized conflict resolution and diplomacy. During the 2020 Tigray conflict, she mediated between factions and secured humanitarian aid access. Her 2021 speech at the African Union Summit highlighted the need for gender parity in peace processes, a stance echoed in her collaboration with organizations like PeaceWomen. She also established the National Women's Council to address systemic barriers in education and economic opportunities for Ethiopian women.

Global Impact

Internationally, Zewde chairs the UN Secretary-General's High-Level Advisory Board on Effective多国合作 (Multistakeholder Collaboration), focusing on sustainable development goals (SDGs). Her advocacy for climate resilience in African agriculture earned recognition at the 2023 COP28 conference, where she presented Ethiopia's National Adaptation Plan. Her leadership style blends traditional diplomatic practices with modern digital engagement, including a popular podcast series Voices of Change that interviews grassroots activists across the continent.