The First Female Professor in Addis Ababa University

The Women’s Affairs Office (WAO) of Addis Ababa University in Collaboration with the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR) organized a panel discussion & an award ceremony which is one of its kind to celebrate the professorship of Prof. Yalemtsehay Mekonnen who is the first female Professor in Addis Ababa University.

The panel discussion was held at the Faculty of Business and Economics Hall (FBE) on Wednesday June 3, 2009. The program was attended by the University Officials, academics, students, administrative staff, invited guests and journalists. 

The Major Events were panel discussions on 

• An overview of Successful Ethiopian Women and the importance of enhancing the culture of upholding good practice and success by W/ro Abebech Welde, Executive Directress for Ethiopian Media Women Association
• Challenges and opportunities of Female Academics by Dr.Hirut Terefe/Associate Professor/
• The Journey to Success: A role model’s story by Professor Yalemtsehay Mekonnen 

The panel discussion was moderated by Dr. Mulumebet Zenebe Director for Institute of Gender Studies. An award ceremony was also part of the program. Accordingly, professor Yalemtsehay was awarded, a gold medal by the University handed over by the President of AAU, Professor Andreas Eshete.

In addition a bouquet of flowers and a certificate of recognition of her achievement were presented by the Women’s Affairs Office of AAU and by IIRR respectively. 

The program was extremely interseting and exciting for the attendants and especially for Professor Yalemtsehay Mekonnen.

Short biography  of Prof. Yalemtsehay