Sahle-Work Zewde, has a veteran, appointed as first female president for Ethiopia

Posted

October 25, 2018 22:56:56

Sahel-Work Zewde, just days after a cabinet shake-up ushered in gender parity for the first time.

Ms Sahle-Work, 68, made history as the east African country's first woman in the ceremonial goal symbolic role.

She is a distinguished veteran of the United Nations, where she most recently worked as an under-secretary-general and as Special Representative of the Secretary-General to the African Union.

The appointment marks yet another important shift in the country's political system from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who has made gender equality a key issue for his government.

Mr Abiy's chief of staff, Fitsum Arega, welcomed the news on Twitter.

"In a patriarchal society such as ours, the appointment of a female head of state not only sets standards for the future, but also standards of decision-makers in public life," he said.

"In a historic move, the two houses have elected Ambassador Shalework Zewde as the next President of #Ethiopia."

The appointment is the latest in a whirlwind of progressive change in Africa's second-most populous country.

Last week, the Prime Minister reshuffled his cabinet to include an additional 10 female ministers, making Ethiopia the third country in Africa, after Rwanda and Seychelles, to achieve gender parity in their practices.

Mr Abiy, who came to power in April, has had a raft of reforms in his country, which includes the theme of patriarchal and conservative country.

He has also pardoned long-time dissidents and his opponent, Eritrea.

In Ethiopia, the role of executive director, but is considered highly symbolic.

Ms Sahle-Work replaced Mulatu Teshome Wirtu, who resigned from the role he has held since 2013.

"When there is no peace in the country," said Ms Sahle-Work told parliament after her approval.

Reuters

topics:

government-and-politics,

world-politics,

womens-status,

gender-roles,

ethiopia