Mekides Berhanu Alemu
30 | She / Her / HersRegion: East Africa
Country of Residence: Ethiopia
Expertise Areas:
Adolescent Girls' Rights
Education Right
People with disabilities Rights
Youth Leadership / Equitable Youth Engagement
Bio
Mekides' journey as an advocate for gender equality stems from her lived experiences growing up in a village and later navigating the challenges faced by girls in urban settings. She has witnessed firsthand the limitations imposed by societal norms, which fueled her desire to advocate for girls' basic needs and access to opportunities. Her advocacy work began as a volunteer with various organizations, including the Ethiopian Ministry of Education. Currently, at Roots & Wings Elixir, her focus is on empowering deaf girls to access inclusive education. Mekides has seen the communication barriers and societal stigma that deaf girls face in accessing quality education, essential information, and a safe and inclusive environment. Mekides joined the Emerging Leaders Program to amplify her current work and learn from a global network of advocates. She is eager to share her experiences and collaborate with others to tackle issues hindering gender equality. She is also looking forward to equipping herself with policy and advocacy skills. Her aspiration is to ensure that deaf girls are not marginalized and are enabled to maximize their potential.
Mekides' journey as an advocate for gender equality stems from her lived experiences growing up in a village and later navigating the challenges faced by girls in urban settings. She has witnessed firsthand the limitations imposed by societal norms, which fueled her desire to advocate for girls' basic needs and access to opportunities. Her advocacy work began as a volunteer with various organizations, including the Ethiopian Ministry of Education. Currently, at Roots & Wings Elixir, her focus is on empowering deaf girls to access inclusive education. Mekides has seen the communication barriers and societal stigma that deaf girls face in accessing quality education, essential information, and a safe and inclusive environment. Mekides joined the Emerging Leaders Program to amplify her current work and learn from a global network of advocates. She is eager to share her experiences and collaborate with others to tackle issues hindering gender equality. She is also looking forward to equipping herself with policy and advocacy skills. Her aspiration is to ensure that deaf girls are not marginalized and are enabled to maximize their potential.
