Black Girl Magic isn’t just something you see in America. Black women shine all around the world, especially in the Motherland! Take Sahle-Work Zewde, who was just appointed as the president of Ethiopia by Ethiopian parliament! Zewde is no stranger to power and position. Work is literally in her name and she’s been making history throughout her tenure in Ethiopian politics!
Zewde is an experienced diplomat and was appointed as a special representative to the African Union and head of the U.N. Office to the African Union by U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres. She’s the first woman to serve in this role. She also served as director-general of the U.N. Office at Nairobi and held positions as Ethiopia’s Ambassador to France and Djibouti. Now, she takes the position as the first female head of state in Ethiopia’s modern history!
Fitsum Arega, chief of staff to the Prime Minister, tweeted Thursday:
In a patriarchal society such as ours, the appointment of a female head of state not only sets the standard for the future but also normalises women as decision-makers in public life. #Ethiopia (2) pic.twitter.com/3Z8UNd15E0
— Fitsum Arega (@fitsumaregaa) October 25, 2018
Zewde appointment gives her power to shape the political landscape of Ethiopia for years. Her duties and powers as president include appointing ambassadors, receiving foreign envoys and granting pardons. Her appointment comes as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed replaced many Cabinet members and put women in many of the ministerial roles.
As U.S. Mid-term election near, this is a great gesture of hope. We see that the world is becoming more accepting of equality. Maybe this is a precursor to a wave of women taking office in America. Stacey Abrams is poised to take this Governor spot in Georgia!
