Strengthening Women’s Leadership and Participation in Public Life Through the Presidential Leadership Programme

The Presidential Leadership Program for Women Leaders (PLP) is a flagship initiative of H.E. Sahle‑Work Zewde, former President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) launched in February 2022. This bold and forward‑looking programme has so far reached over 340 middle level women leaders from public sector institutions, academia as well as the civil society organizations (CSO) and the private sector. The programme aims to build and expand a strong pool of transformative and influential women leaders and decision-makers across Ethiopia. In the 2025/2026 period, UN Women continued the second phase of the Presidential Leadership Program (PLP). 

From 4–14 March 2026, UN Women Ethiopia, in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs (MOWSA) and with the generous support of the Gates Foundation conducted the third round of Phase II of the programme in Sululta town, Ethiopia.

This round brought together 34 outstanding women leaders from across Ethiopia, with particular emphasis on the participation of young women leaders. The initiative seeks to strengthen leadership capacities, expand women’s influence in public and political life, and enhance decision making and public leadership skills, ultimately contributing to increased representation of women in leadership positions and amplifying their role in driving transformative change, peace and development in Ethiopia.

During the opening session of the training, Schadrack Dusabe, Deputy Country Representative of UN Women Ethiopia, underscored the timeliness of the initiative as Ethiopia prepares for the 2026 national elections. He emphasized that investing in women’s leadership at this pivotal moment creates a powerful ripple effect; inspiring women aspirants, strengthening meaningful participation in the electoral process in various capacities, and enabling women to engage as informed voters, capable candidates, and active contributors across all aspects of the electoral processes.

Dr. Yeshihareg Afrea, Assistant Professor and Vice President for Administration and Development at Wolkite University, a public university in Ethiopia is one of the participants in the training. Reflecting on her experience, Dr. Yeshihareg describes the 10-day training as both impactful and transformative. “As a university lecturer, I have had the opportunity to attend several leadership trainings.

However, this program exceeded my expectations. It is unique in its depth and structure, offering content that is both comprehensive and grounded in core leadership principles essential for women leaders.” She emphasized that the program stood out not only for its content, but also for the expertise of its facilitators. “The trainers were not only knowledgeable in theory but brought lived experience into their sessions. Their practical insights, combined with an engaging and participatory delivery style, made the learning experience deeply enriching.” 

Sessions on organizational culture, quality and leadership, and personal development provided practical tools she plans to apply in her role. “It was like a mirror, helping me recognize my strengths and areas for improvement, and how to better support and empower others and improve how my team in the administration department works as an organization to provide quality service,” she shared, highlighting the value of reflection in strengthening both personal and professional effectiveness. 

The program’s focus on gender and leadership further strengthened her commitment to empowering women within her institution. “I was able to assess whether my institution is gender-blind, gender-responsive, or gender-transformative. This has motivated me to be more intentional in mentoring and supporting my fellow women colleagues, encouraging them to pursue leadership roles.”

Ms. Genet Tadesse, Finance Director at the Sidama Regional State Coffee, Fruit and Spice Authority, was among the participants of the Presidential Leadership Program for Women Leaders. Speaking about her experience, she described the training as both empowering and transformative. “I feel very fortunate to be part of this training. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity provided by UN Women and its partners,” she said.

One of the most impactful lessons for Ms. Genet was on communication, which she found relevant both professionally and personally. “The training helped me understand that effective communication starts with listening. It even changed how I communicate with my teenage daughter. I realized that listening is a key part of building trust, and it helped me recognize and work on my own gaps in this area,” she shared.

The programme also strengthened her skills in managing workplace dynamics. “I learned that conflict can be managed more effectively by addressing issues early, using clear and respectful communication, and focusing on shared goals rather than personalities.

As a woman leader, I now feel more confident in balancing authority with empathy, creating space for dialogue while setting clear boundaries and guiding my team toward constructive solutions.” Sessions on personal development encouraged her to reflect on her own growth and ambitions. “The training opened my eyes to the fact that I had become comfortable in my current position. It inspired me to think bigger about my future, including pursuing further education and leadership opportunities. I now feel more confident in my ability to grow and to take on greater responsibilities within my institution.”

Ms. Emebet Teressa, Programme Coordinator at Mery Joy Ethiopia’s Hawassa branch, a well-known developmental CSO in Ethiopia, is among the participants of the Presidential Leadership Program for Women Leaders. Sharing her reflections, Ms. Emebet describes the training as both transformative and very personal. “The training deepened my understanding of leadership as both a science and a practice. Previously, I led based on experience and intuition. Now, I lead with clarity and purpose,” she said, highlighting a shift toward more intentional and informed leadership. 

Beyond strengthening her professional skills, the programme also encouraged personal reflection and growth. “The training taught me the importance of self-awareness, caring for others, and communicating effectively. I learned that leadership is not only about guiding people, but truly understanding them,” she said. She now places greater emphasis on empathy, making a conscious effort to understand her team’s experiences and challenges. “I strive to put myself in their shoes, be fair, and support them in a more meaningful way.” 

Describing the training as life-changing, she called for expanding such opportunities to reach more women across various sectors, noting that unity is key to driving meaningful and lasting change. “This training should be expanded to reach more women leaders, not only in government institutions but also across CSO and the private sector. Empowering more women leaders is essential for achieving transformative and inclusive leadership.”

For both Genet and Emebet, the impact of the training goes beyond knowledge gained. It has strengthened their confidence and renewed their sense of responsibility as a leader. As they return to their roles, they are committed to applying these lessons to foster inclusive leadership, support their team, and contribute to building more gender-responsive institutions. 

The ‘Presidential Leadership Program for Women Leaders,’ implemented by UN Women Ethiopia in partnership with the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, is generously funded by the Gates Foundation. The programme has reached over 300 women leaders in mid-level positions across Ethiopia, from public offices including academia, CSO and the private sectors, with the aim of promoting women’s full and effective participation and ensuring equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life.