The atmosphere was buzzing on Sunday, October 29, 2023, as people gathered for AWiB’s much-anticipated 10th and last Women of Excellence (WOE) gala dinner at the prestigious Sheraton Hotel. In every corner, guests were adorned in their finest attire, exuding an enchanting elegance. As I take in the scene, I’m captivated by the sight of women adorned in a stunning array of Ethiopian traditional clothing. Each outfit was a unique expression of style and heritage as if the same traditional clothing was expressed in different dialects. With grace and charm, the 2023 WOEs glide through the doors of Sheraton, with their presence commanding attention. Soft feminine chatter fills the air while onlookers wonder about the extraordinary elegance displayed by these women of different ages. We gathered to celebrate excellence in its purest form inside the breathtaking Lalibela Hall—an event to pay tribute to the remarkable achievements of individuals who have excelled in their respective fields.

Once again, AWiB orchestrated an extraordinary event. It is a celebration of three remarkable women and one outstanding organization who significantly impacted their communities through their influence and actions. There was a bittersweet realization that this would be AWiB’s final WOE celebration. However, we were determined to savor every moment and make it a truly unforgettable experience. Throughout the venue, you can spot clusters of people engaged in animated conversations, reflecting AWiB’s vibrant networking culture that has found its way into this gathering.  As you survey the hallway, a swell of pride washes over you. Each person held the WOE ticket in their hands, eager for the hall to open its doors.

Amidst our eager anticipation, a thunderous applause and a joyful noise of celebration caught our attention. We turn to witness the entrance of three elegant women, embodying grace and poise: Rahel Abayneh, The Indefatigable Defender; Dr. Mulu Muleta, A Class in Her Own; and Rekik Bekele, A Beacon of Light for Thousands in the Dark. Cameras flash incessantly as everyone scrambles to capture this honorable occasion on their phones. The trio made their way into the waiting hall accompanied by the enchanting melodies of the Hibir String Quartet. The quartet’s skillful violin and cello playing bless our ears, adding to the ambiance of the evening.

With her infectious smile and radiant energy, Yodit Gidey AWiB’s former Project Manager & now COO of Gidey Gebrehiwot Enterprise guided the esteemed guests to their seats on the stage. We were all filled with a sense of wonder and curiosity as we prepared to learn more about these remarkable women. We have heard tales of their profound impacts and read about their accomplishments, but there is no better way to truly understand their journeys than to listen to their words and witness their expressions. With bated breath, we stand in our respective corners, ready to engage in a captivating Q&A session with these extraordinary individuals. As they share their stories, we are left in awe inspired by their words and moved by their experiences.

The Q&A session with the audience extended for a while, as we were eager to absorb every word from these remarkable women and delve into the wonders of their journeys. A woman from the audience posed a question: “Who told you that you could be who you wanted to be?” Reflecting on their paths, the women acknowledged the significant role played by their teachers, mothers, and fathers. Their unwavering belief in their potential and the encouragement they provided served as a lifeline, lifting them above the waves and storms that threatened to pull them down.

Another question centered on the challenges faced by these women solely because of their gender. Dr. Mulu asserted that women are not naturally disadvantaged but rather equally capable as men. She shared that her personal journey had been devoid of gender-specific setbacks. However, in a society like ours, obstacles come in various shapes and forms. Rahel and Rekik recounted the countless discouraging comments and prejudiced remarks they had encountered on their paths. They faced mountains of negativity and actions devoid of shame. Yet, they refused to be deterred. They emphasized that while the challenges may be difficult they do not come without solutions. They encouraged everyone to know their dreams, to be steadfast in their aspirations, and to say “No” to anyone or anything that suggests otherwise. They shared the importance of perseverance, even if it meant running away from negative influences and people who constantly whispered doubts into their ears. They acknowledged that falling is inevitable, but what truly matters is the ability to rise again.

The questions continued to pour in from the audience, each one sparking new insights and discussions.

After concluding the Q&A session, we moved to the main hall to settle into our assigned seats. AWiB’s President, Samrawit Meressa, gracefully took the stage in a stunning royal purple dress that accentuated her figure. She began her opening speech and with poise she introduced AWiB’s board members to show off their custom-made designers by Meti Hailemariam, a designer and architect that upcycles clothing.

As the lights dimmed, the screens illuminated a heartfelt video by Impala Communications about ten years of WOE. It evoked a mix of joy and teary-eyed nostalgia, showcasing cherished memories from a decade of celebrating women. The emotions ran high as the video encapsulated the essence of WOE’s journey. Taking the stage, Nahu recounted the humble beginnings of WOE in 2012 and how it had evolved into what it is today. With unwavering belief, she shared the initial vision that propelled the organization forward, knowing deep down that it had the potential to become something extraordinary.

This year’s WOE also recognized Organizational Excellence. The lights dimmed once again and a captivating documentary about Women in Self-employment (WISE) unfolded on the screens. The documentary depicted the inspiring journey of WISE, showcasing testimonials from its members and their transformative stories. It illustrated how WISE empowered women by providing strategic training and shifting their mindsets. Starting from a place of darkness, these women emerged with a newfound belief in themselves, transitioning from a “ምንም የለኝም” mindset to an empowering “ለካ እችላለው” mindset. WISE aimed to create economically independent women who could afford education and healthcare.

Soon after, a video showcasing the remarkable women being honored played. With each passing moment, the screen introduced us to these exceptional individuals, allowing them to share their inspiring stories one by one.

It was truly amazing to witness the existence of these exceptional women and the immense impact they have made. Society and the preaching of the status quo often lead us to believe that such realities don’t exist. Yet little did the world know about the incredible potential within each woman. Their magnificence shines through as they push past setbacks and say “No” to resistance. They are true inspirations, evoking pure joy that illuminates our faces, accompanied by a deep sadness as we witness the burdens they carry for others. We are filled with a wish to join them in celebration and praise recognizing the tremendous strength they possess. What’s truly remarkable is that these women didn’t become influential through the wealth of the privileged. Instead, they chose to be agents of change, providing solutions for those in need. They extended their hands to the underprivileged, the forgotten, and those whose problems were brushed aside in favor of “greater issues.” They listened to the whispers and silent cries of those burdened by pain. They offered help to those who had given up and those confined within walls that seemed insurmountable. Their impacts are immeasurable, reaching far beyond what can be quantified. They have made a difference in every possible way they could. And it wasn’t easy for them. It was tougher than it appeared, tougher than they let on. Yet we stood celebrating their greatness and their journey toward an even greater impact.

Yodit took to the stage to introduce the entertainer for the evening, Mahidere Dawit aka Nani. A delightful jazz melody filled the air, creating a relaxing ambiance. Her soulful voice and quirky attitude both mesmerized and amused the audience. We were so immersed in the moment that time seemed to slip away unnoticed. Next, the captivating music played in the background by Hibir String Quartet added to the ambiance and momentarily distracted us from the passing hours. We enjoyed a delightful meal together, engaging in meaningful conversations and networking with our tablemates, forging new connections and strengthening existing ones.

Press Secretary to the PMO Billene Seyoum delivered a captivating speech with eloquent rhetoric and mesmerizing use of words. She addressed a common phrase that women have grown accustomed to hearing throughout their lives, starting from childhood and continuing through the ages: “አንቺ አትችዪም” (You cannot – referring to girls/women). With wisdom gained through the passage of time, Billene emphasized that, as women explaining ourselves becomes less and less important. She highlighted the unique role of AWiB as bridging leaders and bringing together individuals to foster a sense of community. Billene emphasized that growth is impossible when we adopt an “It’s not my problem” attitude. Instead, she urged the audience to transition from being mere bystanders to active contributors, transforming into agents of change. The theme of her speech revolved around the idea that “ቅንነት ያቃናል”.

The highly awaited moment arrived—it was time to honor and award the three exceptional women. The audience praised them with applause for their remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication to greatness. Each nominee was called up to the stage, creating a unique atmosphere that set this final celebration apart from previous years. Unlike previous WOE celebrations, every nominee received an award recognizing that each had performed a job truly deserving of high praise.

As each recipient took hold of their awards, they were given a precious opportunity to share heartfelt messages and express their gratitude to those who had stood by them and supported them throughout their journey.

Dr. Mulu Muleta acknowledged the invaluable contributions of those who had surrounded her, becoming pillars of support along the way. She encouraged everyone to pursue their passions fearlessly, emphasizing that true success lies in doing what you love. According to her, success is defined by making a meaningful impact in your chosen field and inspiring others to do the same.

Rahel Abayneh’s heartfelt speech stirred emotions as she shared her deep longing to see autistic children supported and cared for. She reminded us that it is not solely the responsibility of mothers but a duty that falls upon each and every one of us. With tears in her eyes, she implored us to lift the heads of mothers who feel ashamed and downtrodden, urging us to step forward and make a difference. Her final words resonated deeply, inviting us all to visit and witness firsthand the reality these children face.

Rekik Bekele bravely wiped away tears that had welled up during Rahel’s speech. She stood before us highlighting the significance of her work and the profound impact it has on the lives of those living in rural areas without access to electricity. She demonstrated how providing light to these communities is a vital step towards finding solutions. For Rekik, lighting up one home represents a meaningful stride towards success. She expressed her gratitude to her husband, her mother, and all those who had extended their unwavering support whenever she needed it the most.

The heartfelt speeches delivered by each awardee left a lasting impression reminding us of the power of dedication, compassion, and the incredible impact that can be achieved through unwavering commitment and support.

After the end of the program, we reluctantly bid farewell to the extraordinary women who had graced us with their presence. Some took the opportunity to capture a photograph immortalizing the memories of this remarkable evening. With bittersweet emotions, we waved goodbye to the Women of Excellence knowing that this was the final WOE event for AWiB. In that fleeting moment, we reflected on the immense impact these women had made their stories forever etched in our hearts. It was a night filled with inspiration, empowerment, and a shared sense of purpose. We departed with a renewed determination to carry their messages forward and to continue supporting & uplifting one another. As we dispersed into the night, the echoes of their voices and the spirit of the evening lingered on. WOE may have come to an end, but its legacy will endure. It served as a testament to the unwavering strength, resilience, and brilliance of women who have the power to change the world. With gratitude in our hearts and the memories of this extraordinary night, we embraced the future, knowing that the impact of these excellent women will continue to inspire and guide us.

To our Women of Excellence, thank you for leaving an indelible mark on our souls.

Written by Niyat Alem