Woyzero Tsehai Lemma

Ethiopian pioneer in women's rights and legal reform, breaking gender barriers in a male-dominated society

Woyzero Tsehai Lemma (1890–1965) was a trailblazing Ethiopian lawyer and judge who shattered gender norms in early 20th century Africa. Born into the aristocracy, she defied expectations by studying law at Addis Ababa University (then called Menelik II University), becoming Ethiopia's first female lawyer in 1930. She later became the nation's first female judge, serving on the High Court until her death. Her landmark 1934 case defending a woman's right to inherit property set precedents for gender equality in Ethiopian law. Tsehai also founded Addis Ababa's first girls' school in 1928, establishing modern education for women. Her advocacy influenced Ethiopia's 1955 Family Code, which granted women legal rights to divorce and property ownership. Despite her achievements, her legacy was overshadowed by political upheavals. Modern scholars like Dr. Meskerem Assegued (see Ethiopian Herstory) have revived her story through academic works. The Tsehai Law Library in Addis Ababa bears her name, and her portrait now appears on Ethiopia's 100 birr banknote.