Tirunesh Abebe

Founded Ethiopia's first girls' school in 1935, establishing a legacy of women's education and social reform in East Africa.

Tirunesh Abebe (1905–1965) was an Ethiopian educator who defied cultural norms to establish the Adama Girls' Academy in 1935. Born into a family of traditional weavers, she secretly taught herself English and French while working in Addis Ababa markets. Her breakthrough came when she secured funding from UNESCO to build Ethiopia's first girls' boarding school.

Against fierce opposition from local authorities, she implemented progressive policies including:

• Mandatory science and math education for all students
• Partnerships with French missionary schools for teacher training
• scholarships for girls from pastoralist communities

By 1950, the school had produced 80% of Ethiopia's female teachers and inspired similar institutions in Somalia and Sudan. Her educational philosophy emphasized:

"Knowledge is the thread that weaves women into the fabric of progress"

Modern universities like Addis Ababa University's Tirunesh Institute for Gender Studies continue her legacy. Her correspondence with Eleanor Roosevelt remains a key historical resource.