The dust has not yet settled from the announcement of a downsized cabinet by Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed which currently now has men and women sharing seats on a 50-50 basis. In addition to the announcement of the country’s first female president. Ethiopian parliament has swiftly added another gender parity achievement by unanimously endorsing Meaza Ashenafi as the first woman Federal Supreme Court President.
Meaza Ashenafi (54) is a well-known women’ rights advocate in and outside Ethiopia, and her appointment to the post of Federal Supreme Court President is a huge career achievement for her. Feminists around the continent took to social media to celebrate Ashenafi appointment.
HE PM Abiy Ahmed nominated Meaza Ashenafi as the first woman Federal Supreme Court President. Ethiopian Parliament has unanimously endorsed the nominee. Ethiopia’s march towards gender parity in key leadership positions continues unabatedly. Congratulations! #Ethiopia pic.twitter.com/YBYTPAsAG4
— Fitsum Arega (@fitsumaregaa) November 1, 2018
Meaza Ashenafi is one of #Ethiopia’s most seasoned lawyers and a prominent women rights activist. She was the founder of Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association and has served as High Court Judge. She brings a track record of competence and relevant experience to the role. pic.twitter.com/E9ZNtpp6GB
— Fitsum Arega (@fitsumaregaa) November 1, 2018
Meaza Ashenafi career so far
She has previously served as a Judge of the High Court of Ethiopia (1989-1992), and later resigned (1993) when she was appointed by a legal adviser to the Ethiopian Constitution Commission.
She founded the Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association (EWLA) in 1995 and became the executive director. Ashenafi has used her legal network to champion for the rights of women and girls in Ethiopia.
She has also worked with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. Has also been instrumental in the development of Enat Bank, the first women’s bank in Ethiopia, which was launched in 2011. Ashenafi has had a successful career, and along the way won numerous awards for her outstanding work.