Ethiopia’s President Zwede on first Kenyan visit

By Samuel Abuya

President Sahle-Work Zwede, the first Ethiopian female president, has made her first official visit to Kenya since her coming into office October last year. According to reliable sources, the president is in Kenya to have bilateral and regional interests with her Kenyan counterpart President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Both Kenya and Ethiopia have been looking for ways in which they can improve cross-border trade. The two countries are also very strategic and play a big role as far as the regional security is concerned. The two countries also have their troops in the troubled Somalia.

According to the Ethiopian constitution, the president is ceremonial with the Prime Minister having more political and executive power.

The appointment of a female head of state set the standards for the future in Ethiopia while, at the same time, normalized the issue of making women as decision-makers in public life.

Recently, Meaza Ashenafi, who also made history as the first woman to be appointed President of country’s Supreme Court, called on women to voice their issues and not be silenced in any way.

“Women are not the cause of conflict or disruption of society but they bear the brunt of the problem so they should be vocal about these issues. Their voice should be heard. Women should also transcend the stereotype and know they are up for any challenge. They should not be afraid to take any opportunity that comes their way,” Ashenafi said in interview.

Sahle-Work Zwede is the first female Ethiopian president and after being sworn in, she promised to work round the clock to make gender equality a reality in Ethiopia.

Africa Global News Publication