Ethiopian Democracy Academy

Women Leading the Way: Celebrating Democracy Academy Candidates for Ethiopia's 2026 Elections Find out more about Ethiopia's women in politics.

Women Leading the Way: Celebrating Democracy Academy Candidates for Ethiopia’s 2026 Elections

In partnership with the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD), the Ethiopia Visionary Leaders Association (EVLA), celebrated Women’s Month with women candidates contesting in Ethiopia’s 2026 general election through a program titled “ተወዳዳሪ” (Competent Candidate) on 23 March 2026 at the Inter Luxury Hotel in Addis Ababa. The initiative aimed to bring together female candidates from various political parties running for regional councils and the House of Peoples’ Representatives.

The participants are alumni of the Ethiopian Democracy Academy (EDAC) and the Ethiopian Democracy Academy for Women (EDAW), where they received capacity-building training in collaboration with the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD). Since its launch in 2020, the initiative has trained more than 800 political party members and young political actors.

The event brought together over 100 alumni, representatives of political parties, and women candidates. Opening the program, Yeshi Welde, Vice President of EVLA, underscored the importance of dialogue in transforming political culture and called on women candidates to work in solidarity on cross-cutting issues.

Hidiya Shafi, Chair of the Women’s Wing of the Ethiopian Joint Political Party Council, highlighted the importance of sustained capacity-building efforts in enabling meaningful political participation for women.

Yinebeb Nigatu (PhD), Country Director of NIMD, commended the candidates for securing their nominations and praised EVLA for creating such an important platform. Meanwhile, Sofie Emmesberger, Ambassador of the European Union to Ethiopia, congratulated the candidates and emphasized the importance of competency and dialogue in fostering meaningful political participation.

The program also featured a panel discussion where female candidates reflected on their political journeys, the challenges they face, and their aspirations for the future.

Speaking ahead of the lunch break, H.E. Lomi Bedo, Deputy Speaker of the House of Peoples’ Representatives, noted that women currently make up 42% of parliament, with ongoing efforts to increase this figure to 46%. She emphasized that women have consistently demonstrated their capability through their contributions in government and urged candidates to strengthen outreach to women from diverse backgrounds by addressing issues that directly affect their lives. She also called for collaboration across party lines and the building of strong networks to tackle shared challenges.

The afternoon session on VAWiE mitigation was opened by H.E. Paula Roos-Schindeler, Deputy Head of Mission/Head of Cooperation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Ethiopia. She delivered inspiring remarks on the vital role women play in shaping Ethiopia’s democratic landscape, highlighting their growing presence in leadership and their active role in shaping political culture.

She further emphasized that the Royal Netherlands Embassy supports the Democracy Academy with a deliberate commitment to equal participation of men and women—not merely as a formality, but as a meaningful effort toward a more inclusive and gender-balanced political environment.

In her concluding remarks, she reminded the women candidates that they serve as role models for younger generations, and that their dedication and perseverance will have a lasting impact. She also expressed appreciation for EDAC’s continued efforts in promoting dialogue across political divides and commended the candidates, noting that their participation itself is a powerful source of inspiration for the next generation of women leaders.
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Ethiopian Democracy Academy (EDAC) 12 Cohort Closing Ceremony
On 18 March 2026, the Ethiopian Democracy Academy (EDAC) proudly celebrated the graduation of its 12th cohort, marking the successful completion of an intensive three-week training programme for emerging political leaders.

A total of 40 participants (14 women), representing 16 diverse political parties and backgrounds, came together in Arba Minch at Paradise Lodge from 27 February to 19 March 2026. Through this experience, they strengthened their knowledge and skills in democratic values, dialogue, and leadership.

EDAC forms part of the broader efforts of the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD) to promote inclusive democracy in Ethiopia by strengthening the capacity of aspiring political actors and fostering constructive inter-party dialogue and cooperation.

The closing ceremony commenced with a welcome address delivered by Dr. Yinebeb Nigatu, Country Director of NIMD Ethiopia. The event was graced by distinguished guests, including H.E. Ato Meles Alemu, Advisor to the Prime Minister of Ethiopia with the rank of Minister; Tesfaye Niway, Deputy Chairperson of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE); Dr. Mulualem Tegegn, Chairperson of EZEMA Party and Executive Member of the Ethiopian Visionary Leaders Association (EVLA); Andom Gebresellassie, Chairperson of ARENA Party; and Roza Biya, Chairwoman of the Emerging Women Leaders Association (EWLA).

During the ceremony, speakers congratulated the graduates and emphasized the importance of promoting dialogue, reducing political polarization, and strengthening democratic culture in Ethiopia. They highlighted the role of EDAC in building trust across political divides and preparing a new generation of leaders committed to constructive engagement and peaceful political processes.

This initiative is funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ethiopia, whose continued support contributes to strengthening democratic practices and leadership development in Ethiopia.

Strengthening Women’s Leadership through Cross-Country Learning: EDAW/EDAC Women Alumni Exchange visit to South Africa

The EDAW/EDAC Alumni Exchange Visit, organized by NIMD Ethiopia in partnership with the Dullah Omar Institute at the University of the Western Cape, took place in two rounds September 15-19/2025 and November 03-07/2025.
A total of 35 delegates participated in the learning exchange, engaging with key South African institutions and influential women leaders.
During their visit, delegates held meaningful discussions with members of the South African Human Rights Commission, the Commission for Gender Equality, and members of the South African National Assembly and the Western Cape Parliament who are from three major political parties; African National Congress (ANC), Democratic Alliance (DA) and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). The engagements offered practical insights into inclusive governance, cross-party collaboration, and efforts to advance women’s political leadership in South Africa.

The learning program also featured a leadership session hosted by the Dullah Omar Institute, as well as visits to the Mayibuye Museum and Robben Island spaces that highlight South Africa’s history of struggle, resilience, and democratic transformation.

The South Africa exchange visit offered participants a profoundly enriching experience that combined political dialogue, institutional learning, and cultural reflection. It underscored that advancing democracy and gender equality requires more than strong laws; it also demands ethical leadership and sustained civic engagement. The visit also strengthened regional ties and motivated participants to adapt the lessons learned in South Africa to support Ethiopia’s ongoing pursuit of inclusive and gender-responsive governance.

These visits are funded by the European Union in Ethiopia on as part of the project "Enhancing the participation of women in Ethiopian Politics - Balancing the Scale'.

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WYDE East Africa Regional Conference – Malindi, Kenya

The WYDE East Africa Regional Conference was held in Malindi, Kenya, from August 4 to 6, 2025. Some 50 young politicians from Kenya, Ethiopia, Somaliland and Uganda took part in the conference. Ethiopia was represented by 10 young politicians, drawn from various political parties, both from the ruling party and opposition parties, who are alumni of NIMD’s democracy academies – Ethiopia Democracy Academy (EDAC) and Ethiopia Democracy Academy for Women (EDAW). The participants from Uganda, Kenya and Somaliland were also alumni of democracy academies in their respective countries.
The discussion at the conference focused on how young politicians can shape the future of youth in politics. The participants discussed institutional, social, economic, and political barriers that prevented the youth from engaging in meaningful political participation. They also discussed various methods of overcoming them. The conference included panel discussions, breakaway sessions, simulations and the like in which the participants explored how youth can play a meaningful role in politics and influence policies.
They held a roadmap-building session in which they identified strategic priorities for the youth in terms of ensuring their political inclusion and charted out the roadmap for peacefully achieving those goals. They co-created country action plans in which they defined practical steps for ensuring the strategic goals with an eye to turning ideas into action. Finally, they adopted ‘A Draft Roadmap for Youth Political Participation in East Africa — a united strategy for stronger, more inclusive democratic processes across East Africa.

The eighth round of the Ethiopian Democracy Academy for Women (EDAW) training ended on 14 April 2025 with a graduation ceremony. Forty-three women, selected from 26 different Ethiopian political parties received two weeks of training. The trainees came from 10 of the 12 regional states, and the two federal city administrations of the country. Once again, Paradise Lodge of Arba Minch provided a beautiful venue for this round of training.

Funded by the European Union (EU), this training was implemented by the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD). The training program included 13 relevant courses and experience sharing by senior women politicians.

Invited guests attended the graduation ceremony, which took on April 14 2025. These included Melese Alemu (Advisor to the Prime Minister with the rank of a Minister and head of Prosperity Party’s Civic Actors Section), Madam Ioana Albulescu (Team Leader, Governance and Peace, European Union (EU) delegation to Ethiopia), Madam Kidist Dawit (Representative of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Embassy of United Kingdom in Ethiopia) and Roza Biya (EDAC alumni member and chair of the Ethiopian Visionary Women Leaders Association (EVWLA).

Noting that the training was part of the efforts of sowing the seeds for future political leaders, Yinebeb Nigatu (PhD), NIMD-Ethiopia’s Country Director of NIMD Ethiopia, appreciated stakeholders, including the EU, for making the program possible. The invited guests gave a speech appreciating NIMD-Ethiopia’s works and inspiring and motivating the graduates to work hard for democracy. H.E Meles Alemu encouraged the graduates to make their own contribution towards building democracy in the country. The Minister also confirmed that his government is determined to continue supporting the process of building of democratic system in the country. Appreciating them for becoming among the few courageous women politicians in the country, Madam Albulescu expressed her hope to see the graduates becoming candidates in the upcoming general elections. Madam Kidist Dawit, on her part, expressed her pleasure at seeing the graduates passionately testifying about the positive impact the EDAW program is making.

The Seventh round of Ethiopian Democracy for Women (EDAW) training, which began on 10 March and concluded on 22 March 2025 with a graduation ceremony. This two-weeks-long training was given for 40 women politicians drawn from 26 political parties operating in Ethiopia. The trainees came from almost all regional states, and city administrations of the country. Paradise Lodge of Arba Minch provided a beautiful venue for this round of training.
This training was funded by the European Union, and implemented by the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD). Apart from 13 relevant courses that were delivered over the two-weeks-long program, the training also saw senior women politicians sharing their experiences for the young trainees.

Invited guests attended the graduation ceremony including H.E. Lomi Bedo (HPR’s Deputy Speaker), H.E. Melatework Hailu (NEBE’s Chair). H.E. Meles Alemu (Advisor to the Prime Minister), H.E Samson Biratu (Director of ACSO) Miriam Skare (EU representative), H.E. Christine Pirenne (Ambassador of the Kingdom of Netherlands), and Caroline Buddenhagen (Political Chief at the US Embassy). Yinebeb Nigatu (PhD), NIMD-Ethiopia’s Country Director, welcomed the invited guests and acknowledged the EU’s support to the program.

The guests delivered powerful speeches, offering heartfelt congratulations and encouragement to the graduates. H.E Metalwork reminded the graduates to remain courageous, and to never lose hope since they will face challenges as they continue engaging in politics. Miriam Skare expressed how special the program was to her, highlighting its unique impact on shaping future leaders. Ambassador Pirenne called up on all the graduates to become ‘role models’ for other women politicians. Ms Buddenhagen expressed her hopes that the graduates would shine in their future political careers. Finally, H.E Meles Alemu confirmed that his government is determined to continue supporting the building of democratic system in the country. On her closing remark, H.E Lomi encouraged the graduates to stay connected, build strong networks, and, most importantly, turn the skills and knowledge gained into real-world impact!

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Ethiopian Democracy Academy

EDAC and EDAW Alumni executive members had the honor of meeting Mr. Jurriaan Middelhoff, the Netherlands Youth Ambassador today at the Alumni’s Resource Center in Addis Ababa. They had a fruitful discussion on the vital role of youth in building a peaceful Ethiopia. Special thanks to for facilitating this important meeting! #