Congratulations to all AWiB WOE 2023

AWiB is thrilled to announce the 2023 Women of Excellence (WOE) nominees! Every year as we celebrate outstanding Ethiopian Women who serve their communities and country tirelessly, this time around, we bring you 3 magnificent women in our Pinnacle. Their full story will be featured in the October Focus and they will be celebrated on October 29, 2023, at a Gala Dinner held in Sheraton Addis. We invite you to join us at the AWIB 2023 WOE Gala Dinner to draw closer to these exceptional women and be inspired by their remarkable achievements.
Rahel Abayneh

Rahel Abayneh is a compassionate and sociable woman with an inspiring journey. Her life took a profound turn when she discovered that her second child, Natan, had autism. Despite facing initial challenges and a lack of support from some doctors, Rahel persisted in seeking help for her son. This difficult experience motivated her to open Nehemiah Autism Center in 2011, with a mission to support children with autism and their families in Ethiopia. She has also been instrumental in establishing and supporting other autism centers in Ethiopia, creating awareness, and fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with autism in the country.
Rahel’s character is defined by her selflessness, compassion, and determination. She has always had a strong sense of empathy and a desire to help those in need. Despite facing the initial difficulties of raising a child with autism, Rahel persevered and used her experience to help others. She is a visionary who always looks for innovative ways to improve the lives of autistic individuals and their families. Rahel’s optimism and positive outlook have been the driving forces behind her success in creating a lasting impact on her community. She firmly believes in the power of collaboration and seeks to empower others to make a difference in society.
Dr. Mulu Muleta

Dr. Mulu Muleta, also known as “Mulu Fistula,” is a pioneering obstetrician and gynecologist who tirelessly advocates for the prevention and treatment of obstetric fistula, a debilitating childbirth injury affecting millions of women. She was the first female Ethiopian-trained specialist in the field and holds a Master’s degree in Public Health from the Institute of Antwerp and a PhD from Bergen. Inspired by the joy she sees in her patients after they are cured, Dr. Mulu has dedicated her life to changing the lives of women affected by fistula by addressing its physical, social, and psychological impacts. With over 18 years of experience at the Hamlin Fistula Hospital, she’s treated more than 10,000 patients. Dr. Mulu has collaborated with numerous national and international organizations, including the Ethiopian Ministry of Health and UNFDP, to coordinate a training program for health officers on emergency obstetric and surgical care through task shifting. She’s currently operating her own maternal and child health specialty center where she treats fistula patients for free. Dr. Mulu’s unwavering commitment to improving the lives of women and children worldwide is a source of inspiration to many in the field.
Rekik Bekele

Rekik Bekele founder and CEO of Green Scene PLC, a renewable energy company that provides solar energy solutions to off-grid communities in Ethiopia, is one of the few women leaders in the energy sector. She has more than 13 years of experience in the renewable energy sector, and she is passionate about using solar energy to improve the lives of people in Ethiopia. Rekik started her career in the renewable energy sector in 2009, when she worked as a project manager for a solar energy company. In this role, she was responsible for developing and implementing solar energy projects for off-grid communities in Ethiopia. In 2016, she founded Green Scene PLC, and she has since been working to expand the company’s reach and impact. Green Scene PLC has installed solar energy systems in over 100 off-grid communities in Ethiopia, and the company has provided electricity to over 10,000 people. Rekik is a strong advocate for renewable energy, and she believes that solar energy can play a major role in improving the lives of people in Ethiopia.
Rekik is a graduate of Addis Ababa University, where she studied electrical engineering. She is also a certified solar energy engineer. She is a member of the Ethiopian Solar Energy Association, and she is a frequent speaker at conferences and workshops on renewable energy. Rekik is a passionate and dedicated leader who is committed to using solar energy to improve the lives of people in Ethiopia. She is a role model for women in the renewable energy sector, and she is an inspiration to everyone who is working to create a more sustainable future.