A Seat at the Table:
Why it eludes us
For 15 years, AWiB has created spaces for women to connect, emerge, and lead with impact. Under the theme “She Rises,” we celebrate the bold women who have shattered barriers and redefined leadership on their own terms. As we mark this milestone, we must also ask: Is a seat at the table enough?
Women are present in boardrooms, policy chambers, and executive suites—but too often, their presence does not translate into power. Leadership isn’t about just having a seat; it’s about being heard, respected and driving change. Yet, systemic barriers, unspoken biases, and token representation continue to hold women back.
Our panel discussion will explore the illusion of inclusion, the silent struggles women face, and the strategies to turn presence into power. How do we break free from symbolic leadership and claim real influence? How can we shift from being invited into rooms to shaping the decisions that come out of them?
This insightful, no-holds-barred discussion will bring together trailblazers who have navigated, challenged, and reshaped leadership spaces. Through raw experiences, bold insights, and practical strategies, we’ll explore what it truly takes to not just be at the table but to own the conversation and drive lasting impact.
Talking Points:
- What does a seat at the table truly mean, and how can women leverage it for real influence?
- What systemic and subtle biases keep women from fully exercising their leadership potential?
- What practical, game-changing strategies help women move from being present to being powerful?
- How can organizations, policies, and allies create leadership environments where women’s voices aren’t just heard but drive change?
- How can we reshape the rules, challenge outdated norms, and design a leadership culture that values collaboration, diversity, and inclusivity?
As AWiB marks 15 years of creating space for bold leadership, we invite you to join us for a conversation that is provocative, transformative, and action-driven.
Because a seat is just the beginning—true leadership is about impact.
Go back to the event page – RSVP today!
Speakers
Rakeb Messele Aberra, Deputy Chief Commissioner
Rakeb was appointed as Deputy Chief Commissioner of the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) in June 2021, following a transparent selection process. With 30 years of experience in human rights, her focus areas include child rights, women’s rights, and gender. Before this role, Rakeb served as a Senior Strategic Advisor to EHRC, contributing to reform and institutional capacity building. She also actively participates in Ethiopia’s transitional justice process.
Previously, Rakeb worked as the Regional Child Rights Advisor for Save the Children Sweden in Asia, West, and Central Africa, overseeing child rights programs and strengthening civil society organizations across 16 countries.
Rakeb has significant experience in research, training, and developing strategies and action plans on human rights, child protection, gender, and migration. She holds an LLM in Human Rights and Democratization from the University of Pretoria and an LLB from Addis Ababa University.
Misrak Makonnen, Country Director, Amref Health Africa
As County Director, Misrak leads a team of over 325 staff across 12 regions in Ethiopia, driving health change through programs in reproductive, maternal, neonatal, and child health (RMNCH), health system strengthening (HSS), WASH, and disease prevention. Under her leadership, Amref Ethiopia grew its annual budget from $6 million to $29.5 million over six years. In 2020, the organization secured a $60 million USAID grant to expand youth programs, including Kefeta, a major youth employment and health initiative.
Misrak’s focus on strategic partnerships and accountability has made Amref Ethiopia a trusted NGO, reaching over 12 million people in 2022. She holds a Master’s in Public Health and an MBA from Emory University.
Moderator
Yoadan Tilahun, Founder & CEO of Flawless Events
Yoadan is the founder and CEO of Flawless Events, a leader in events and conventions planning, and an advocate for professionalizing the MICE industry in East Africa. She is active in the Female CEO Breakfast Club (FCBC) and the International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA).
Passionate about empowering women, Yoadan supports initiatives like the Yellow Movement, which provides sanitary pads to female university students, removing barriers to their education and leadership potential.
Yoadan also participates in a monthly girls’ book club and mentors young businesswomen, creating platforms like ‘Leading in Heels’ to foster women leaders.
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