Where Norms Begin to End

My cousin is getting married this summer. And in following with the Ethiopian norm and tradition of asking for her hand in marriage, her husband-to-be organized for a group of elders to…

Women's Vulnerabilities to Climate Change in Ethiopia

The consequences of climate change are greatly felt by poor communities in which the most vulnerable of the population are women. This vulnerability emanates from socio-economic disparities that exist between men and…

Morality that Kills, Legality that Saves

” There’s nothing altruistic, compassionate or noble in advocating for abortion.” These were the words of a forum participant on a pro-life website that featured a short article on abortion in Ethiopia.…

To revive a dying tradition

I recently met Zertihun Tefera who is the founder and director of a women’s development association in Ethiopia that has organized up to 10,000 women as self-help groups and supported their micro-enterprise…

Breaking the Chains of Oppression by Women

“Together we stand, divided we fall” So you’re a feminist woman or you’re not. But you care about ” women’s rights, equality and empowerment”. Yet have you looked into your thoughts, words…

Silence is Not Approval

March 13, 2011 marked the 8th annual WOMEN FIRST 5km race, which is the second largest running event organized by the Great Ethiopian Run. It was my first time running this race…

Spirit Unshackled

My eyes are mine I can close them and in their silence bear witness to all that will become divine In between eyelash flutters Form the twinkle of desires Embraced in the…

I Carry Life not Shame!

The energy of life rests in my womb Within me manifest the miracles of creation A seedling of inspiration Blooming into creative force My womb It is not my prison It is…

Gold to Ashes

It is not questionable that in times of disasters, natural or people made, women and girls are the ones that suffer the greatest consequences. Haiti is a perfect example of how a…

The Run for a Cause

This Sunday, March 13th marks the 8th WOMEN FIRST 5km race taking place in Addis Ababa. The annual women’s only race is the second largest running event organized by the Great Ethiopian…