The 2015 Women of Excellence Annual Dinner and Gala, a foremost celebration of leadership and contribution by Ethiopian women was held at the Sheraton Addis Hotel on the evening of October 25. The gala, hosted by the Association of Women in Business (AWiB), is an occasion to celebrate the dedication, ingenuity and achievements of some of the phenomenal women known to Ethiopia. “The event is about celebration. It is dedicated to celebrate women who have done monumental work behind the scenes. These women are true leaders who stand for what they believe in. We bring them out and make them visible to be celebrated by their people whom they have dedicated their lives to, right here in Ethiopia, “ says Tizita Abeje, an AWiB board member.
According to AWiB, the nominees were chosen for their vision, proven record of success, courage and compassion as demonstrated by how they have helped other women succeed. Following 33 public nominations and 16 interviews, AWiB shortlisted seven Ethiopian women. And during an evening full of festivities dedicated to celebrate the lives and works of these indefatigable women, the winner was announced. And even though all seven nominees were winners in their own way, Maria Munier, Founder & Director of Women’s Sanctuary and Development (AWSAD) was the recipient of the 2015 AWiB Women of Excellence award.
Maria Munier Yusuf is an Ethiopian activist for women’s rights; for over 20 years, she has promoted and fought for women’s basic rights and for the protection of women. Munier is a co-founder of Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association (EWLA) and the Association for Women’s Sanctuary and Development (AWSAD).
