At WGHEthiopia, we acknowledge and are inspired by, the trailblazing women who laid the foundations for gender equity in Ethiopia’s health sector. Now, the founders of WGH Ethiopia chapter, young professionals themselves, are determined to build on that legacy.
Founded in 2023, WGHEthiopia stands out among global chapters, not only for our fresh perspective but for our youth-driven leadership. WGH Ethiopia’s founders are the youngest among peers worldwide, with their youthful voice bringing bold vision, energy, and a readiness to challenge outdated norms.
The chapter would not exist without those who came before; bold Ethiopian women whose tenacity broke barriers in health, education, and civic life, and whose efforts set the stage for us to escalate leadership inclusion to the next generation.
While young leaders bring energy and fresh ideas, they also confront the unique challenges of dual discrimination based on gender and age. UN Women highlights that young women face limited access to mentorship, funding, and decision-making roles, all structural barriers preventing full participation.
In response, WGH Ethiopia has taken on the responsibility to speak up, drive advocacy, and engage meaningfully in policymaking to ensure young women are given the right tools to lead.
The chapter builds on existing efforts with new energy and direction:
- Mentorship through pairing students and young professionals with mid-career and senior women leaders.
- Advocacy for policy shifts pushing for gender-responsive frameworks.
- Leadership development workshops focused on negotiation, self-advocacy, research skills, and public engagement.
- Community partnerships to empower and amplify women leaders .
- Visibility campaigns such storytelling and media initiatives to highlight women who have been pioneers in Ethiopia’s health system, and to amplify voices of today’s young leaders.
We are not just next-in-line; we are everyday leaders confronting today’s challenges directly. But…
We cannot do this alone.
Senior women leaders; share your insights, join our mentorship, and pay it forward to the next young woman.
Institutions; create gender-transformative leadership spaces and youth-friendly policies.
Donors and partners; support our initiatives advancing gender equity in health.
Male allies; help champion structural change and open doors for young women.
WGH Ethiopia is young, but our aspirations are generational. We ride on the achievements of the women who came before, while charting a new path for young women who will follow.
To our peers – don’t wait. Rise. Speak. Lead. Your perspective matters, always.
To our predecessors – your legacy lives on within us. Your courage built the foundation we now stand on. We rise because you first refused to fall.
And finally to our partners – let’s ensure the future of our people’s health is built with, and by, women.