Frehiywot: Empowering Others Through Advocacy

Frehiywot, a 29-year-old She Leads advocate in Ethiopia, has a powerful story of resilience and empowerment. Having faced significant challenges early in life, including being orphaned and adopted at a tender age, she learned to navigate difficult circumstances with little support. She had to balance household responsibilities with her desire for childhood joys or education.

Finding Support and Empowerment Through She Leads

Frehiywot found crucial support and opportunities for growth when she joined the She Leads programme, an initiative aimed at empowering young women and amplifying their voices in leadership and advocacy.

Empowered through She Leads

Through She Leads, Frehiywot gained valuable skills and knowledge when she participated in various training programs, including training on leadership, and public speaking. 

This support helped her develop the confidence to advocate for her rights and the rights of others.  One of her primary focuses is raising awareness on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), empowering girls and young women with the knowledge and support they need to make informed decisions about their lives.

She joined the Ethiopian Young Women’s Voice (EYWV), a network of young women leaders working to create a more equitable society. Through the Ethiopian Young Women’s Voice, she collaborates with peer women across the region, advocating for their rights and striving to create platforms for girls and young women to engage at a global level. 

¨The She Leads project has been an enriching experience for me, providing me with knowledge, and opportunities to make a meaningful impact in others’ lives.¨Frehiywot shared.

Tackling early marriages and teenage pregnancies

Frehyiwot has been particularly concerned about the challenges of early marriage and teenage pregnancy in her community, particularly noticeable during the years 2014 and 2015.  She witnessed the impact of these issues on young girls including students facing these challenges during exams. 

Through inclusive training programs that she has helped initiated, significant progress has been made in addressing these issues. By providing comprehensive education and support, Frehyiwot and other She Leads Advocates have successfully reduced the incidence of early marriages and teenage pregnancies. 

These efforts have empowered young girls with knowledge and skills, enabling them to make informed decisions about their futures and encouraging them to pursue education and personal development. As a result, she is gradually seeing positive changes in her community, where more girls are staying in school and delaying marriage and pregnancy until they are ready.

Meaningful Impact

Though She Leads, Frehiywot has gained valuable insights and skills that empowered her to advocate confidently for women’s rights. From grassroots efforts in her woreda (district) to engaging with broader communities, she now feels equipped to make a meaningful impact and amplify the voices of women. She cherishes the supportive She Leads network that recognises and values her contributions, helping her overcome the feeling of invisibility and fostering a sense of purpose in her activism journey.

A girl with many dreams

Frehiywot is determined to achieve her goals independently and strive for excellence in everything she does. 

¨I have many dreams, but one of my most important aspirations is to establish an NGO in my name aimed at helping children and adults who lack support. My primary goal is to provide assistance and resources to homeless individuals, offering them a chance for a better life.¨ Frehiywot stated. 

¨I am optimistic and confident. Thanks to She Leads for empowering me and preparing me for what lies ahead.¨ She concluded.

Quote

“I have many dreams, but one of my most important aspirations is to establish an NGO in my name aimed at helping children and adults who lack support.”
Frehiwot
She leads Ethiopia Advocate