Born on July 25, 1964, in Asosa, Ethiopia, Meaza Ashenafi grew up in a family that valued education and public service. Her father, Ashenafi Mengistu, was the mayor of Asosa, and her mother, Askalech Tegegne, managed a household of nine children. Meaza’s early exposure to leadership and community service laid the foundation for her future endeavors.
At 17, Meaza enrolled in the Faculty of Law at Addis Ababa University, where she was the only woman in her class. She earned her Bachelor of Laws degree in 1986 and began her legal career at the Ministry of Trade. Her commitment to justice led her to serve as a judge on the Federal High Court’s Criminal Bench from 1989 to 1992.
In 1995, recognizing the need for legal support for women, Meaza co-founded the Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association (EWLA). As Executive Director, she led efforts to provide legal aid to women and advocate for legal reforms, including the criminalization of domestic violence and female genital mutilation in Ethiopia.
Meaza’s dedication to women’s empowerment extended to the financial sector. In 2011, she played a pivotal role in establishing Enat Bank, Ethiopia’s first bank aimed at serving women, where she served as chairperson until 2017.
In November 2018, Meaza made history by becoming the first female President of the Federal Supreme Court of Ethiopia. During her tenure, she focused on judicial reforms to enhance independence and public trust in the judiciary. She resigned from the position in January 2023.
Meaza Ashenafi’s journey reflects her unwavering commitment to justice and gender equality. Her work has not only transformed Ethiopia’s legal landscape but also serves as an inspiration for women across Africa and beyond.
