Sahle-Work Zewde
Who was Sahle-Work Zewde?
Ethiopia's first female president, serving from 2018 to 2021, and former diplomat who worked extensively with the United Nations.
Biographical data adapted from Wikipedia’s article on Sahle-Work Zewde (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Biography
Sahle-Work Zewde was born on February 21, 1950, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She went to Lycée Guebre-Mariam for her early education before studying at the University of Montpellier in France. Her time in France gave her language skills and an international view that were valuable in her diplomatic career. After her studies, she began her work in diplomacy and international relations.
Zewde worked for many years in Ethiopia's diplomatic service, representing her country at various international gatherings. Her experience with the United Nations helped her develop skills in international diplomacy and global issues. She held several roles within the UN, gaining recognition for her diplomatic abilities and commitment to international cooperation. She mainly focused on African affairs and development, pushing for Ethiopian and African interests worldwide.
On October 25, 2018, Ethiopia's Federal Parliamentary Assembly elected Sahle-Work Zewde president, making her the first woman in the country's history to hold this position. Her appointment happened during a time of major political reform in Ethiopia under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. As president, she worked on promoting unity, reconciliation, and women's empowerment across the country. Her term coincided with significant political changes and challenges in Ethiopian society.
From 2018 to 2024, Zewde focused on strengthening Ethiopia's international ties while dealing with domestic issues of national unity and social cohesion. Her diplomatic experience was crucial as Ethiopia faced complex regional and international situations. She used her position to advocate for women's rights and gender equality, both in Ethiopia and globally. Her presidency aimed to reduce divides between different ethnic and political groups in the country.
Zewde's career has been acknowledged internationally, with Forbes magazine ranking her as the 93rd most powerful woman in the world and the highest-ranking African woman on their annual list of The World's 100 Most Powerful Women. Her rise to the presidency was a key moment for women's political participation in Ethiopia and Africa. Throughout her career, she has focused on using diplomacy to resolve conflicts and the importance of working together to tackle global problems.
Before Fame
Growing up in Addis Ababa during the 1950s and 1960s, Sahle-Work Zewde saw Ethiopia change under Emperor Haile Selassie's modernization efforts. She went to Lycée Guebre-Mariam, a top French school in the capital, where she got exposed to international views and languages early on. This education led her to study in France at the University of Montpellier, where she honed the analytical and language skills that became key to her diplomatic career.
For Ethiopian women in the late 20th century, reaching high levels in diplomacy required outstanding education and determination. Zewde joined the diplomatic service when few women held top positions in international relations. Her early career coincided with Ethiopia's active role in the Organization of African Unity and the Non-Aligned Movement, giving her the chance to engage with global diplomatic circles and gain experience in multilateral negotiations.
Key Achievements
- First woman to serve as President of Ethiopia (2018-2024)
- Decades-long career in Ethiopian diplomatic service and United Nations system
- Unanimous election to presidency by Federal Parliamentary Assembly
- Recognition as highest-ranking African woman on Forbes' Most Powerful Women list
- Advocacy for women's empowerment and gender equality during presidency
Did You Know?
- 01.She was unanimously elected as president by all members of the Federal Parliamentary Assembly, with no opposing votes
- 02.Forbes ranked her as the highest-ranking African woman on their list of The World's 100 Most Powerful Women in 2019
- 03.She served as Ethiopia's ambassador to several countries before her presidency
- 04.Her presidency lasted six years, from 2018 to 2024, making her one of Ethiopia's longer-serving presidents
- 05.She conducted official business in multiple languages including Amharic, French, and English due to her international education