Women in Ethiopia have a distinct feature that differentiates them from the rest of the world. Their dark skin and slim feature and unique facial feature are usually identified as east African by many. Beautiful women’s Ethiopia including the models have attracted the attention of many foreigners. Some consider women in Ethiopia as potential mates as the women are calm, loyal, and not materialistic as well.
Ethiopia is one of the countries in Africa that have beautiful women, Ethiopian models in particular. Ethiopian models have a perfect skin tone with facial features, bone structure, beautiful hair to match it. Ethiopian models have only been gaining notoriety in the past decades. The models are proof that African faces have their own beauty.
Here are 20 Ethiopian models that show Ethiopian beauty.
1 Liya Kebede
Liya Kebede is one of the most known women in Ethiopia due to her exposure to the fashion industry. She was born on 1 March 1978 and is arguably one of the most famous and beautiful Ethiopian models. She came to be the first Ethiopian supermodel, as well as the first black model to represent Estee Lauder cosmetic brand. She moved from Addis Ababa to Paris at the age of 18, and at 19 she was personally selected by Tom Ford for the Gucci fashion show, and in 2002 an entire Paris Vogue edition was dedicated to the model.
Since that time, she has appeared in numerous brands like Vogue, Flair, Time’s Style, and Design Escada, and featured in big ad campaigns for Yves Saint-Laurent, Dolce & Gabbana, Escada, Louis Vuitton, Victoria’s Secret, Gap, Tommy Hilfiger, Revlon, Bazaar and more. She has appeared in plenty of fashion magazine covers and is one of the high- est paid models in the world.
2 Gelila Bekele
Gelila Bekele was born on 4 September, 1986. She is a famous Ethiopian model, social activist, and humanitarian. Gelila has featured in a number of print ad campaigns like Levi’s Pantene, Colgate, and L’Oreal. She has also appeared in Marie Claire, Allure, and Fashion magazines. This marvelous woman has also participated in countless social media campaigns for human rights preservation. She is one of the most beautiful models in Ethiopia.
Women in Ethiopia: Gelila Bekele IG
3 Anna Getaneh
Anna Getaneh was born in Sweden. She made her first appearance in 1990 in Sports Illustrated. She also modeled for Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, and Christian Dior, and has appeared on the cover of Vogue. Her Ethiopian decadency is what gives this beauty the charm.
4 Lydia Asghedom
Lydia Asghedom was born in Addis Ababa. She moved to San Diego at the age of 10, which helped her start her fashion dream. She has appeared in many ads for popular fashion brands such as Michael Kors, Macy’s, and AT&T. She is currently working in Germany and is represented by Divina Models management. Lydia has been on hundreds of shows.
5- Gate Maya Haile
Gate Maya Haile was born in Ethiopia. As a child, she moved to Holland. Currently, she is signed with Elite, IMG, and Ford Models modeling agencies. This beautiful model has appeared on numerous popular magazine covers. In 2011, she was invited to host “Ethiopia’s Next Number One Model” reality show, the popular reality show is an initiative to offer Ethiopian women access to international modeling opportunities.
6- Fershgenet Melaku (aka. Lola Monroe)
Fershgenet Melaku also known as Lola Monroe is an Ethiopian-American hip-hop artist, model, and actress who was born on October 25, 1986, in Addis Ababa. She began her modeling career in 2006 for an urban magazine and her model name was Angel Lola Luv. She has also appeared in numerous music videos.
7- Helen Getachew
Helen Getachew was born on 13 January 1990. She is a famous Ethiopian model and beauty pageant titleholder who has crowned Miss Universe in a pageant that took place at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas. Currently is currently doing modeling and a brand ambassador for numerous brands.
8- Yordanos Teshager
Yordanos Teshager is an Ethiopian supermodel. She is one of the most beautiful Ethiopian women known. She was the runner-up for Miss Ethiopia in 2004. Since then she has modeled for the likes of Rock & Republic, Osman Yousefzada, and Giorgio Armani. Yordanos has also featured in Vogue Italia in 2008 and has also appeared in Essence magazine.
9- Sara Nuru
Sara Nuru was born on 19 August 1989 in Erding, a small suburb of Munich, West Germany. She is a German fashion model of Ethiopian Descent. She was the winner of the fourth cycle of Germany’s Next Top Model in 2009 and was the first Ethiopian model to win. Since then she has appeared in several popular magazines and has walked the catwalk for numerous fashion brands like Escada Laurèl, Custo Barcelona, Gant, Guido Maria Kretschmar, Cesar Galindo NY, and Roberto Cavalli. Sara has also worked with an NGO called Menschen für Menschen (People for People) in Ethiopia, and became an ambassador for the organization’s education program.
10- Dina Fekadu
Dina was raised in Addis Ababa; Ethiopia. She is an Ethiopian model, TV Host, and beauty pageant who competed in Miss Universe 2006 and was placed among the top 20. Just as her beauty trend, she also wants to become a successful lawyer and philanthropist so she could advance the cause of women in her country.
11- Melkam Micael Endale
Melkam Micael Endale was the winner of Miss Ethiopia in 2010 and represented her country at the Miss world 2012 beauty pageant. This beautiful woman in Ethiopia is currently modeling for various international brands.
12- Yityish Aynaw
Yityish Aynaw is an Ethiopian-born Israeli model who won Miss Israel in 2013. She was on 23 June 1991. She was born in the village of Chahawit in Ethiopia’s Gondar Province and at the age of 12 moved to Israel with her grandparents. In March 2013 she was invited to the US White House by the then-President Barack Obama, who wanted her to attend a gala as he appreciated Israel for crowning a black woman as Miss Israel. She is currently working on establishing a community arts education center in Netanya which would help at-risk youth.
13 Hayat Ahmed Mohammed
Hayat was born in 1982 and by 2003 was one of the women in Ethiopia to represent Ethiopia at the Miss World. She is also Miss World Muslimah, which is an annual international beauty contest for young Muslim women who demonstrate dedication and concern about Islamic values.
14 Mearg Tereke
Mearg Tereke born in 1991, in the town of Adwa, Ethiopia. She spent most of her early life in Ethiopia but later moved to Baltimore, United States, where she studied in the department of pharmacy at the University of
Baltimore. She began modeling in 2001 when she was just 20 years old. She is now an American supermodel of Ethiopian descent.
15 Genet Tsegay
Genet Tsegay was born on 27 February 1991. She is a famous Ethiopian model and actress. This gorgeous model was crowned the winner of Miss Ethiopia in 2012. She is one of the few women in Ethiopia that influenced modeling.
16- Melat Yante
Melat Yante is an Ethiopian model who was the runner-up in the Global Beauties Face of the Year competition of the 2009s Miss Universe Pageant. She was also the winner of Global Beauties Face of Africa. She is also fluent in Amharic, Italian, and English language.
17- Joy Suzanne Grazer
Joy Suzanne Grazer is an Ethiopian model born of Ethiopian and German descent and was raised in New Or- leans. She started modeling at the age of 15. Joy is now a former fashion model turn scientist. She graduated from the University of California at Berkeley where she obtained honors in Psychology.
18- Israela Avtau
Israela Avtau is an Ethiopian-Israeli supermodel raised in Eilat. While growing up she wanted to become a flight attendant but after winning the Israeli Elite Top Models contest at the age of 16, she began a career in modeling. In recent years it was said that she was the second-highest paid Israeli next to Bar Refaeli. She has also appeared in numerous international fashion ads, product campaigns, runway shows, and magazine covers.
19- Jiitu Abraham
Jiitu is an American-born Ethiopian model who, with her physical beauty, intelligence, and talent which makes her perfect. Jiitu is the first American-born Ethiopian to win the “Miss Ethiopia World” title and was named “Honorary Ambassador of Goodwill to Israel” by the then Minister of Tourism, Mr. Avraham Hirchson. She is also among the few African models who met with the then-President Barack Obama with whom she discussed her mission as Miss Ethiopia World.
20 Mhadere Tigabe
Mhadere Tigabu was born in 1992. She attended Mekelle University, Ethiopia, and graduated as a Mechanical Engineer. She was crowned Miss Universe Ethiopia 2013, when she defeated 14 other contestants at the tail end of the pageant held on September 20, 2013.
Other Notable Women in Ethiopia
Meaza Biru
Founder of Sheger FM, a notable radio station in Ethiopia, Meaza Biru is one of the most influential women in Ethiopia. Meaza has never been convinced that she was a writer as a child. She only followed the dream for her love of reading. Soon as she graduated from college, she began working as a sports journalist and freelancer for governmental organizations. Later, with her husband, she founded the radio station in 2005. Today the station entertains and teaches thousands in the country.
Yetnebersh Nigussie
The story of Yetnebersh Nigussie is a powerful one. Having lost her eyesight at the age of five, she lived her life with a disability. Despite the challenges, she got her degree in law. Today is an activist for disability rights and served as executive director in the Ethiopian center for disability and development that she cofounded. Her influence extends to influencing the education system related to disability. She is one of the inspiring young women in Ethiopia.
Tirunesh Dibaba
Tirunesh Dibaba is known for her 5000 meters world record. She is one of the women in Ethiopia that continued the legacy of the female leaders in the country’s history. She got three Olympic gold medals, five world championship gold medals, and four individual world cross country titles. Tirunesh, with her 3 sisters has continued the legacy.
Derartu Tulu
Derartu Tulu is another long-distance runner who is known for her Olympic Gold medal. In fact, she is the first Black African to win an Olympic gold medal. She is one of the few women in Ethiopia in 5000m.
Meseret Defar
Meseret Defar is known for her 3000 and 5000 meters running. She broke a world record in the distance in 2006 and broke her own record a year later. In 2008, Tirunesh took the record.
Ruth Nega
Ruth Nega is an Irish actress of Ethiopian origin. She is known for her role in the 2016s Loving, an American biographical romantic drama. The movie about two racially different lovers whose color differences led them into a problem with the state and the community. Ruth received an academy award, critic’s choice, and a golden globe award nomination for best actress.
Gigi (Ejigayehu Shibabaw)
Gigi is one of the most known recent Ethiopian singers, even globally. She is known for her use of contemporary sounds with the local traditional ones. Despite the recent absence from the music world, Gigi is still one of the most influential women in Ethiopia.
Aster Aweke
Aster Aweke is one of the lifetime musicians that has been leading the market for more than 2 decades.
Captain Amsale Gualu
The title of the first female captain in Ethiopia seems an understatement. Amsale is an inspiration for millions of women in Ethiopia and around the world for her achievements to obtain the title. The journey began as a young girl at the architecture college. She applied and failed the first exam to join the airlines. But with a second attempt, she passed and she pursued her dream to obtain the title.
Zemi Yenus
Zemi is one of the few women in Ethiopia that are known for their courageous acts. Her journey began when she realized that her child has autism with led her to move to the US to find support for the child. Later she realized the preconception of mental health in Ethiopia and began the journey of taking care of neglected autistic children. Le returned to Ethiopia and launched a center called Joy center for autism. The center has received many autistic children and is caring for up to 100 children at a given time. Unfortunately, Zemi lost her life in 2021 due to Covid. But her legacy moves on.
Abebech Gobena
Her journey began in her 40s at a monastery in Northern Ethiopia where famine was killing many people. Abebech could not escape the thought of the 1980s hunger, and she wanted to do something. She went back to Addis with two children that lost their parent in the famine. She pursued her effort to support orphaned and abandoned children and saved thousands in the country.
Dating an Ethiopian Woman
Do you think dating an Ethiopian woman would not be different from dating a woman from your country? Well, NO. It surely is different. Even girls in different regions of the country have different preferences and totally unique choices when it comes to whom to date and whom to marry. Generally, dating an Ethiopian woman is not hard if you can catch her attention. Obviously, westerns may get a different reaction than the east. Especially if you are serious about your intentions, it should not be hard to dare women in Ethiopia.
Here are few tips about dating women in Ethiopia.
1- Never insult or judge the country. Ethiopians are proud to a point that no one has to criticize them except they started the criticism conversation in the first place. You can complain but don’t dare to downplay whatever is in the country.
2- Respect the culture. Eat the local food. Sometimes wear the local clothing and surprise her. She could be shy so don’t overdo it. or don’t attract too much attention unless she wants you to.
3- Learn few words. Say ‘nafekshgn’ for ‘i missed you’ or say ‘konjo nesh’ for ‘you are beautiful’. surprise her. That will surely take you a long way.
4- Don’t be clingy. Don’t beg or try to get her attention. She is surely slow. she may need time to think. Not all girls are like that. The one that is slow is surely a good wife. That is just my opinion.
5- Don’t make her jealous. She probably has insecurity as her peers or the locals judge her for dating a foreigner. She may hide and never respond. Dating for money or for a visa is a common misconception in Ethiopia.
6- Don’t pass on the first date. Most don’t sleep around. Most women in Ethiopia avoid that.
7- Meet her parents. If she likes you she will show you off. She will meet you with her friends. Don’t be weird. Fit in but don’t be a friend. Join them once in a while. Don’t offer to pay every time. Sharing is better.
8- Show her she is different.
Ethiopian ladies for marriage
Ethiopians are gougeous. That is what many tourists say about women in Ethiopia. Women in Ethipia are loyal, non materilaistic and have the future in thier mind. MOst of these wont casually date. Therefore if you are looking ethiopian ladies for marriage, it is a right choiece.
Beautiful women Ethiopia has to offer, you will find them everywhere even on the streets. You can approach a girl without being too creepy. However, the best places are restaurants, hotels, social places, and even in your circle. Especially if you are an extrovert and willing to be vulnerable to ask a stranger out, the social places are best for you. You can join events in Addis Ababa and visit with Ethiopian acquaintances. Having an Ethiopian friend could ease new meetings.
Websites such as Ethiopian dating, Ethiopian personals are some of the few new platforms that you can find friends. Facebook is also a good place to start.
Once you find a potential woman in Ethiopia to date, the next step is dating. This is an easier step as it only requires having dinner or a drink and gossip about everything. don’t rush this step. Get to know her and share your life as well. Your ambitions, your work, and your family. Show her that you are a family man, have a religion( but don’t talk much about it.
Most follow a religion but they are threatened when they discuss religion), and you are a good man. Don’t talk about sex or other stuff that threatens her moral value. Not all women in Ethiopia are the same. Some like it and some don’t. Here you don’t need to spend much. Join a local restaurant. Let her choose the place unless she insists you do. This will give her comfort.
If things go well on the first few dates, then you probably will decide to get married. Dating usually takes a year or more before the proposal. You may need to surprise her and propose to her. In this step, you are already good friends with her friends and family. So ask for help. They will help you with how to propose to her.
In few months you will move to marriage. You don’t need permission from family but it is always good to do. You probably met them a few times already and now you need to send your parents or elders to ask their daughter for marriage. This is a nice culture for locals and she will demand it.
The elders ( shemagele) will have a small gift with them and go to her house to discuss your marriage. Once they verbally approve the marriage, you will need to think about the ceremony. She will have her own fantasy of a fancy of marriage. 200 or fewer people invited from both sides of the family. There will be photo sessions, marriage sessions, dinner sessions, and much more. The program complete depends on your preference. That evening you will take her home. You guys are married. Now that is how you marry women in Ethiopia.
What are the Causes of Gender Inequality in Ethiopia?
Women in Ethiopia probably don’t have the same opportunities as women. There are many reasons for this but the main one is the economic situation of the country. As the majority of the population lives in rural areas where the families depend on agriculture and live without proper power and water, the women have a heavy-duty to share. Fetching water, house works are a few of these. The men labor on the agricultural land and the women will take care of the domestic work. only half of the girls enter school at the age of 5.
The education level is also another challenge. more than half of the country’s population is not literate, meaning cannot read or write at the age of 12. This creates a complex social scenario. Sadly about 65 percent of women have to experience genital mutilation. Many face domestic violence and child marriage.
These challenges are changing with time. For example, primary school enrolment has increased from 20 percent to 90 percent in only 30 years. Yet only a third are female university students.
Since most women don’t generate income or stay at home, most decisions are left to the husband. 30 percent of women in Ethiopia have no say in decision-making in the family.
What are the gender roles in Ethiopia?
Gender roles in Ethiopia seem to change over time as women are getting an education and other governmental and private roles. In general, the man is the head of the house and the woman is the support. This may have come from biblical references where the woman is supportive of the husband. But this didn’t come without a cost. Some cultures dismiss the decision power fo the woman and see her as subordinate than an equal.
The man makes the money and has the say on how to waste it. In some areas in the absence of the father, the older brother will have the responsibility to take care of the family, even more responsibility than the mother.
In rural areas, the man makes the money and the woman takes care of the house matters. The man farms and the woman sells. The labor jobs are for the man. Women in Ethiopia don’t do the hard work. Instead cooking and cleaning and washing are some of the easiest by default preserved for the woman to do.
It has been a common issue that men don’t do the women’s work. For example, cooking in public is shameful for the man. The woman doesn’t farm. This is true even in urban areas.
A woman is measured by her decency and a man by his responsibility.
Women’s education in Ethiopia
- The boys vs girls in secondary school is 10:7. For every 10 boys, there are 7.7 girls.
- The literate women in Ethiopia take 17 percent and the men 42 percent.
- Only 30 of the university population are women in Ethiopia. And about 5 percent drop out in the first year.
- Primary school attendance rates have risen from 20 percent to 90 percent in only 30 years.
Generally, women in Ethiopia had a big place in history and leadership. They are also loved and admired in many parts of the world for their characters and looks. They have a distinct feature that identifies them as east African.
However, women in Ethiopia also have challenges. Although the data shows a promising change in a positive direction, the challenges still exist. The fertility rate is near 5 and this holds women in Ethiopia back from the education work environment.
Domestic violence is obvious, and sexual abuse in marriage is reported to be 59 percent in the country.
Female genital mutilation is legally banned in the country but in some places, the practice continued secretly. Genital mutilation is done by removing sexual parts of the body. This is thought to make her submissive and sexually passive.
Kidnaping of underage children for marriage is practiced in some parts of the country. Some women in Ethiopia got married after they were kidnapped and forced to sex. Once she is pregnant the family weds her to the kidnapper.
Things are changing these time. NGOs and the government is doing a vast amount of work in order to teach locals against bad practices. The court system is harsh on such deeds as well. and yet there is much to do to give women in Ethiopia a better future.
cover: Women in Ethiopia- sara nuru women in Ethiopia “Life Ball 2013 “ by Manfred Werner (Tsui) is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0