FETENU BEKELE

FETENU BEKELE - ETHIOPIA

Creating Women Change Agents to influence policy, programs and budgets

In the male dominated business structures in her country, few women sit in executive positions. Where women are present, they feel intimidated by cultural values and practices and fail to have a voice even when the issues under deliberation are of direct relevance to women. The tendency is to avoid leadership positions, stay inconspicuous or agree with male colleagues even when they have different opinions.

Fetenu Bekele is the vice chairperson of Network for Gender in Leadership and Decision Making (NGLDM), a vibrant network of women leaders engaged in influencing policy, program and budgetary decision making in all sectors and at all levels. She aims to support, motivate, and inspire young women in educational institutions to prepare for leadership roles. NGLDM strives for women’s equal participation in leadership and decision-making structures and processes for equitable and sustainable development.

To make women count, unearth their talent for leadership, and break the culture of silence that has plagued women for centuries.

Bekele attends WLW training to enhance her ability to transform her vision into reality, develop action plans, and expand her network.

Bekele holds a Bachelor‘s Degree in Social Work (Syracuse University) and a Masters Degree in Gender and Development (Sussex University)