Aside from his political reforms, he has taken great steps in promoting gender parity within the Ethiopian government, appointing women to top level positions in the country. Abiy’s cabinet shakeup not only promoted a gender parity, but has women leading in strategic positions such as defense and security, trade, labor, culture, science, and revenue. Prior to her appointment, Ashenafi who is the founder of the Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association was widely recognised for her work as a human rights activist. The 68-year-old diplomat becomes the fourth president of Ethiopia and currently the lone female head of state in Africa. According to Abiy, all these women were strategically chosen for the positions based on their educational background and leadership skills.

Source: Ethiopian News April 11, 2019 11:15 UTC