Banchamlak: ¨Now that I have joined SHE LEADS. I feel that I can do big things in the future.¨

Banchamlak, 19 years old, is a young woman from Ethiopia. Growing up in a challenging environment, she often found herself shouldering responsibilities beyond her years. Family responsibilities sometimes made it difficult for her to attend school regularly. Despite these obstacles, she had a strong desire to study and build a better life. 

Banchiamlak, 19 years old, She Leads Advocate in Ethiopia, holding her feast up to show empowerment at the
Banchiamlak, 19 years old, She Leads Advocate in Ethiopia, holding her feast up to show empowerment at the “2024 She Leads Ethiopia GYW Festival.¨ Photo credit: Terre des Hommes Netherlands

A Turning Point

Banchamlak’s life began to change when she joined a local school, where she progressed from sixth to 12th grade. After completing her high school education, she moved to Addis Ababa to further her studies and is now pursuing a degree in accounting.

In her journey, Banchamlak has witnessed how societal norms have often relegated leadership and teaching roles to men, marginalising the contributions and potential of women.

¨When a girl aspires to take on these leadership roles, she may face resistance and doubt, often being told that her efforts will not lead to anything significant. Yet, when given the opportunity, women demonstrate that their leadership can inspire change and progress, and their teaching can enlighten minds and transform lives.¨ She narrated. 

Empowerment and Growth

When Banchamlak joined the She Leads programme, she gained valuable skills such as leadership. She is now a confident and articulate young woman, capable of expressing her thoughts and opinions. As part of a dynamic team of like-minded GYW advocates, Banchamlak has been actively contributing to her community. Together, they teach, inspire, and work toward uplifting people, contributing to a larger movement of change and progress within their communities.

¨Now that I have joined she leads. I feel that I can create new things and do big things in the future.¨Banchamlak shared. 

Banchiamlak, She Leads Advocate in Ethiopia, showing her back T-shirt message “I’m a girl, what’s your superpower?” at the
Banchiamlak, She Leads Advocate in Ethiopia, showing her back T-shirt message “I’m a girl, what’s your superpower?” at the “2024 She Leads Ethiopia GYW Festival.¨ Photo credit: Terre des Hommes Netherlands

A Message of Hope

Banchamlak passionately advocates for policies that ensure equal opportunities and representation for girls and young women. She calls for the creation of safe spaces for discussions, the involvement of men as allies, and the strategic use of social media to amplify campaigns for gender equality.

¨I am excited to contribute to meaningful change and drive progress for the communities I serve.¨Banchamlak shared. 

¨I wish to be a great advocate¨

Speaking about her future, Banchamlak shared her desire to empower women to overcome challenges and achieve their goals, ¨My wish is to be a great advocate for women’s rights to bring young women to leadership, increase the number of strong women and protect the tears of many women

Banchiamlak, She Leads Advocate in Ethiopia, showing her T-shirt message “Empowered” at the
Banchiamlak, She Leads Advocate in Ethiopia, showing her T-shirt message “Empowered” at the “2024 She Leads Ethiopia GYW Festival.¨ Photo credit: Terre des Hommes Netherlands

Quote

¨My wish is to be a great advocate for women’s rights to bring young woman to leadership and to increase the number of determine and strong women to protect the tears of many women.¨

Banchiamlak 

She Leads Ethiopia Advocate