Ethiopia has long been a Patriarchal and some would say misogynistic country, however recently elected Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is changing perceptions via his decision to promote women into some of the government’s top posts. This move has been widely welcomed both locally and Nationally, although it will take time to see any benefit trickle down to the everyday population. Sadly domestic violence remains rife and around 40% of Ethiopian women get married before they reach 18. Access to education and employment is also limited especially in more rural areas where duties such as water collecting tend to be reserved for their gender.
Ethiopian Girls Collecting Rain Water.
Martchan/Shutterstock
The Ethiopian cabinet is now comprised 50% of women making it the joint most gender diverse in the continent alongside Rwanda.
More about Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Here
