In a historic move, the two Houses has elected Ambassador Shalework Zewde as the next President of #Ethiopia. She is the first female head of state in modern Ethiopia. A career diplomat & senior official at the UN, she brings the right competence & experience to the office. (1)
Conversation
In a patriarchal society such as ours, the appointment of a female head of state not only sets the standard for the future but also normalises women as decision-makers in public life. #Ethiopia (2)
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Having a woman, the mother figure, as Head of State symbolises, as does her office, unity of purpose in a diverse family. Her reign with that motherly wisdom strengthens Ethiopia's determination to inflicting a fatal wound on poverty is charted irriversably.
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Don’t ruin this? I celebrate & appreciate this moment deeply as a young Ethiopian woman. There’s certain ways we need to speak to & normalize women in these roles. Reflecting that you can be open to feedback would be a more constructive approach vs your reductionist approach
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What is wrong with a “ motherly figure “ he already mentioned her achievements ...and nothing wrong if he mentions #PMAbiy as a “
Fatherly figure “ as well...so don’t be quick to get offended or disturbed for his respectful words admiring a woman’s worth
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The office of the President is a ceremonial and symbolic parental figure. There fore, describing Ababa Weldegiorgis, Dr. Mulatu, and now Amaba. Sahlework as parental figure is an apt description. We have bigger things to address. For example, Empress Zewditu being forgotten.
I agree it sounds a little weird. But i think his comment is meant to show that there is an alternative to Patriarchy. In highlighting her maternal role, he meant to show the strength we all see in our mothers. Her motherhood and career can be highlighted at once.
She has skills specific to mothers that bolster her qualification for the job. She dealt with different personalities, needs, and led kids who couldn't fend for themselves, to adulthood. Oh, and she did that while managing a workload at the U.N and serving as ambassador to many.
I agree with you that, in order to normalize women in these roles, we need to stop making that the main thing. But it sure as hell deserves a mention, cause it's not easy. I say this as the son of a single mom.
