Tsigie Haile was born and raised in the vibrant city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She grew up with her brothers and was raised by a fiercely determined single mother in a positive and constructive environment. During her childhood, she was not exposed to the challenges of traditional or unfavorable gender roles in society which created an opportunity for her to focus on the pursuit of education.

From her early days at Etege Menen and Teferi Mekonnen Comprehensive School to her higher education journey at Addis Ababa University, Tsigie’s passion for learning remained unwavering. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree, she embarked on a journey as a creative and versatile leader, beginning as a secretary and progressing to head administrative divisions while cultivating new minds in the management department at Addis Ababa University. But her thirst for knowledge knew no bounds. She ventured to Holland where she earned her MBA further enriching her prowess as a visionary leader.

“Chaos creates opportunity,” Tsigie reflects, referring to the political turmoil in Ethiopia during the 1980s which was an upheaval that forced her to leave Addis Ababa University and embark on a transformative journey. It was this “misfortune” that opened the door for her to join ActionAid, a global non-profit organization dedicated to social justice, equality, and poverty eradication. During her time at ActionAid, Tsigie’s understanding of gender dynamics flourished. As the Human Resource Development Manager, she delved deeper into the concept of gender and became acutely aware of the significant disparities that needed to be addressed. Supported by her supervisor and surrounded by a team committed to equality, Tsigie’s passion for gender equality grew stronger. Tsigie’s journey of personal growth and professional development has equipped her with the knowledge and determination to advocate for change and work towards a more equitable society.

Tsigie’s transformative journey led her to establish Organization for Women in Self-Employment (WISE) in August 1997, an organization with a vision of eradicating absolute poverty and creating a society where women play an active part in the development, through designing programs and interventions that address the core issues of poverty and dependence among the target members. WISE has reached over 56,000 women and girls through 107 Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs) established in Addis Ababa and three locations outside aiming to provide empowering possibilities exclusively for women and an impressive amount of 80% female personnel composition. Tsigie’s personal experiences and the guidance of exceptional mentors have shaped WISE into a dedicated platform for empowering women and fostering their growth and advancement. WISE’s holistic approach exemplifies Tsigie’s unrelenting commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment, as she has established a platform that not only uplifts women but also contributes to the entire growth and prosperity of communities.

At the heart of WISE’s success lie three core values: solidarity, sharing, and strategic partnerships. These values have propelled the organization forward for an impressive quarter of a century. As the driving force behind WISE, Tsigie firmly believes that a true leader not only leads by example but also possesses exceptional relationship management skills.

In Tsigie’s world, leadership is not a solitary pursuit but a vibrant tapestry of connections. She weaves together the threads of compassion, dedication, and strategic partnerships to create a masterpiece of empowerment. She cultivates an environment where individuals are encouraged to thrive. Her strategic mindset and empathetic nature enable her to forge meaningful partnerships, driving impactful change.

Her leadership style is a kaleidoscope of colors, blending empathy and determination into a symphony of inspiration. Tsigie’s magnetic presence draws people together, fostering collaboration and igniting sparks of innovation. She is a catalyst for change, igniting the flames of possibility in the hearts of those she serves.

Tsigie’s journey was deeply influenced by her mother’s upbringing and her experiences at the early stage of her career and these formative moments instilled in her a profound understanding of the value of collective contributions from both men and women in society. With heartfelt gratitude, Tsigie acknowledges the guidance of her mother, the support of her former supervisors, the unwavering support of her passionate team at WISE, and the resilience of the women who inspire her every day.

“Passion leads you,” declares Tsigie, emphasizing the importance of being driven by unwavering conviction. She believes that passion holds immense power as a guiding force in one’s life. Tsigie is a strong advocate for women’s empowerment and encourages young women to strive for a balanced work-life dynamic, challenging traditional gender roles within domestic responsibilities. In a society where women are often confined to traditional roles, Tsigie urges the younger generation to break free from these limitations. She empowers them to challenge the status quo and embrace their passions, creating their own unique paths in life.

Furthermore, Tsigie emphasizes the significance of achieving a healthy work-life balance amidst the pressures and demands of modern life. She recognizes the challenges faced by young women and encourages them to prioritize self-care. Tsigie underscores the importance of nurturing one’s well-being and reassures them that taking care of themselves is not selfish but an essential step towards long-term success and happiness. She believes that by striking this balance, young women can experience genuine fulfillment and lead lives that are both meaningful and rewarding.

Tsigie thanks AWiB for recognizing women who are enablers in our community, as well as for concentrating on enabling women in society, which she believes is producing and will continue to develop role models for the future generation.

Tsigie Haile shines as a beacon of light, inspiring people from all walks of life to embrace their potential, reject societal expectations, and work towards a more equitable world. Her journey is woven with threads of giving back, accomplishments, and empowerment. With humility, Tsigie acknowledges the privilege she has to create opportunities for others, finding fulfillment and accomplishment in these moments.

AWiB thanks Tsige for promoting boldness and empowerment among women and for her dedication to giving back to society and creating opportunities for others through her remarkable journey.