I attended a launch of Dashen Bank’s Comprehensive Women Empowerment Program (CWEP) the morning of December 28, 2024. It suffices to say the entire concept was mind blowing. In a highly patriarchal society where women empowerment is considered as alms rather than a right, what I witnessed this morning was commitment in action.  Many determined and driven Dashen Women, proud & standing tall as the famous mountain itself and a few good men gathered in a very fitting to the occasion conference hall at their Headquarters.

The CEO, Asfaw Alemu, has long been a proponent of women’s rightful place in society. He understood well that no matter how much tale you tell about women’s empowerment, unless she has a supportive and conducive space to maneuver, she will not amount to much. In order to make women competitive in the job market for promotion or otherwise, there must be a fair play. CWEP is set to ensure a level playing field. The right Corporate Culture matters as well. Cultivating Women Leaders as a corporate culture is also a brand that will add to the talent pool. Right on Dashen!

The financial institutions seem to be in need of women at the helms. Many talk but Dashen Bank walks the talk. As a testament, Dashen is a great ally and partner of AWiB– has been for more than a decade. More than 50 women management are also members of the Association.

CWEP is women focused comprehensive training program in hard as well as soft skills. The program is to prepare women compete for they will be equipped to do so.  It covers those in middle management to step up to directorship. This program is ambitious but realistic. The goal is to fill 50% of the senior level position by women, eventually moving up to C-Suits. CWEP also offers a well thought out and organized networking platform where the women leaders learn how to become strong together.  As an African proverb goes, “if you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together”.   Dashen Bank led by its just CEO is on point.

For that, we say thank you and Godspeed!

Nahu Senay Girma, Founder and Executive Director, AWiB

Share to your circles!