The future is woman. Get the deets on Ethiopia's FIRST female president inside...
The world is changing and the future is seemingly pushing towards women being held in higher positions. And we're here for it, especially when it comes to black women sitting in powerful positions.
Ethiopia just elected the country's FIRST female president, days after creating one of the world's very few "gender-balanced" cabinets.
Ethiopian lawmakers unanimously chose Sahle-Work Zewde, an experienced diplomat, as their new leader, which makes her the first female head of state in Ethiopia's modern history. She previously served as a special representative to the African Union. She also served as the head of the U.N. Office to the African Union, and she was the first woman in that role as well! Yasssss!
Not only did they choose a female president, they also changed up the cabinet to make it 50% female!
NPR reports:
Sahle-Work's appointment comes just a week after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed overhauled the Cabinet. Abiy, who was appointed in April, reduced the size of the Cabinet to 20 from 28 — and then named women to half of the ministerial roles. Women now fill the two most prominent Cabinet positions: minister of defense and the newly created minister of peace, who oversees the intelligence and security forces.
.@SahleWorkZewde's been officially sworn in as the President of the Federal Democratic Republic of #Ethiopia. Since June 2018, she served as Head of @UNOAU_& Special Representative of the Secretary-General to the #AfricanUnion. #UNOAU staff expressed gratitude & congratulations pic.twitter.com/hqQnew7it7
— UN Office to the AU (@UNOAU_) October 25, 2018
"A career diplomat & senior official at the UN, she brings the right competence & experience to the office," Fitsum Arega, chief of staff to the prime minister's office, tweeted. "In a patriarchal society such as ours, the appointment of a female head of state not only sets the standard for the future but also normalises women as decision-makers in public life."
In a patriarchal society such as ours, the appointment of a female head of state not only sets the standard for the future but also normalises women as decision-makers in public life. #Ethiopia (2) pic.twitter.com/3Z8UNd15E0
— Fitsum Arega (@fitsumaregaa) October 25, 2018
Yes, women are capable of being decision-makers just as good, if not BETTER, than men. That whole notion that woman are too "emotional" to lead is total BS and we're ecstatic to see Ethiopia is realizing the strength and power in a woman to let her lead them.
"Congratulations to Sahle-Work Zewde & to Ethiopians, on your first woman president & new cabinet in which women ministers head key departments," U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres tweeted."The African continent is leading the way in showcasing that women's engagement and leadership are crucial to lasting peace. #SCR1325"
Congratulations to Sahle-Work Zewde & to Ethiopians, on your first woman president & new cabinet in which women ministers head key departments. The African continent is leading the way in showcasing that women's engagement and leadership are crucial to lasting peace. #SCR1325
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) October 25, 2018
Women are changing that old narrative that women can't hold political leadership positions. With a woman in charge, it will only inspire young girls to believe that they can also aspire to hold the highest office in the land. Women do make a difference and we're excited for Ethiopia. Now, we just need the U.S. to take notice and follow suit.
Congrats Madam President!
Photos: AP
