Gender Advisor, Passionate African Woman, Child and Human Rights Expert, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Ms. Sara Tabid Ahmed is passionate about advocating for the world’s most vulnerable, its children. I was first introduced to Ms. Tabid through a film she directed over nine years ago, submitted as part of the World Network of Young Leaders and Entrepreneurs (WNYLE) competition. In this short, Sara focused on a young girl, Etaferaw, living in Ethiopia, on the streets of Addis Ababa. Eteferaw’s desire to learn, become a pilot and an educator is revealed at the end of the film. Perhaps this was the moment that put Ms. Tabid on her path as a gender equality and child rights activist. Her role as a Gender Advisor for the SOS Villages Children International (an NGO focused on supporting children and young people without parental care) certainly reflects that passion.

1. Name

Sara Tabit Ahmed.

2. Where is your hometown?

I was born in Hossana, a city in the Southern part of Ethiopia, where my mom moved for work. When I turned one, we moved to Addis Ababa, the capital.

3. What is your profession/career/title/self-label/designation? What does your average day look like?

I am a passionate African woman, experienced in project management, gender equality work and strategic advocacy. I am a child rights and human rights expert at a national and pan-African level. I am working in this capacity at the She Leads - Africa Regional Programme at the Plan International African Union Liaison Office, based in Addis Ababa.

My average day involves a morning prayer/meditation, helping kids prepare for school, work and meetings, lots of coffee, taking a walk, playtime with family, scanning/keeping up with the news, reading and finally sleep.

4. What did you study in school?

I studied Sociology and Social Anthropology and completed a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters in Social Work at the Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia. I have earned an advanced certificate in Women’s Studies from Ewha Womans University in Korea, I also obtained an Advanced Human Rights training from University of Pretoria. I am currently doing my LLM in International Commercial Law at the University of Salford in Manchester, UK.

5. How is your life different from what you pictured at 20?

I think most of it is somehow similar but also quite different to what I thought. I imagined I would either hold a public office job, write a book or act in a major movie.

I also anticipated that I would hold some sort of leadership position, travel to more than 25 countries, own a house, lead a happy simple life, married with kids; all of which more or less came to fruition.

6. Was there a time when life knocked you down or out and how did you get back up on your feet?

Oh yes. Life knocked me down right after I gave birth to my first born. I was overwhelmed and felt inadequate. I also experienced an immense guilt of not being there for my son as a working mom. This guilt affected me and my mental health in so many aspects. I even decided to quit a lucrative full time job to take care of my son full time.

However, coming back into the workplace after a few months/years of interruption is very difficult in Ethiopia. After going through one of the most difficult times of my life, God helped me to find the balance to be able to carry on as a mother and a carrier woman. There is no such a thing as a ‘balance’, but let’s just say a reasonable compromise.

Taking time to research, read, journal, meditate, pray, find a support system for myself have all been important. I also had to understand that life is a compromise of many variables; this has helped me to get back in my feet.

7. Advice for other women?

• Being a woman is a blessing but also comes with huge challenges.

• Believe and go for your dreams no matter how difficult it seems, do not compare your life’s wins/fails to those of others. Trust me, every one has his or her own cross to bear.

• Never be shy to ask for help. You are only human.

• Unbearable moments shall pass, just give it time. As the saying goes, what doesn’t kill you will make you stronger. YOU CAN DO IT!!!

8. Knowing what we know now in a current political climate, can women be "all that we can be" in today's world? What is the way forward, as you see it, for "feminist values"?

Hmmm, this is tough question. I generally believe women can be all that we can be, despite the multitude of systemic challenges and barriers that pop up at every step of our way. Women will have to work at least as double as their male counterparts and this effort must be tripled if they are young and black/people of color.

9. What are you hopeful about?

LIFE. FUTURE. WOMEN.

10. What are some ingredients to a good life?

Take it seriously but also don’t forget to take it easy. Try to be a better version of yourself from one day to the next and of course laugh, laugh and laugh again.

Be generous, be kind and know your priorities. Know that life is not perfect, it is ok to be sad as well as strive for happiness.

11. What are (at least) three qualities you most love about yourself and why?

I am passionate, trustworthy and committed. I am a hard worker.

12. What advice would you give your 14-year-old self?

Enjoy life to the fullest, never stop dreaming, never trade off your passion for an easier road. Be positive, be hopeful, set your goals through journaling. Never think you are too young to start something. If you are thinking about something big, go start it. Through planning, reading and research you will make those necessary baby steps to achieve your big goal.

13. Who is a WOW Woman in your world who inspires you and why? Can you nominate three (or more) women you know who perfectly fit WOW WOMAN description? What would you tell them, if you had an opportunity, why you admire them?

My Grandma, my mom, Belkis, Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda.

15. Where can others find you/your work (links to websites, blogs, etc.)?

My LinkedIn profile is here.