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

The number of women in Ethiopia’s parliament currently stands at 42%, one of the highest rates in Africa. Behind that figure lies a continued long-term commitment: years of training, mentorship, and network-building to ensure women do not just enter politics but are equipped to stay and meaningfully participate as colleagues and leaders. As International Women’s Month drew to a close, NIMD Ethiopia and the Ethiopia Visionary Leaders Association (EVLA, an initiative of NIMD Ethiopia Democracy Academy Alumni) took the opportunity to recognize the women who have been part of that journey and who are now taking their next step as candidates in Ethiopia’s 2026 general election. 

From training to candidacy 

On 23 March 2026, over 100 alumni, political party representatives, and women candidates gathered in Addis Ababa for the “ተወዳዳሪ” (Competent Candidate) programme. Organised by EVLA in partnership with NIMD Ethiopia the initiative brought together female candidates from various political parties running for regional councils and the House of Peoples’ Representatives. 

The event made possible by the European Union was opened by Yeshi Welde, Vice President of EVLA, who welcomed H.E. Sofie From-Emmesberger, EU Ambassador to Ethiopia and underscored the importance of dialogue in transforming political culture, calling on candidates to work in solidarity on cross-cutting issues. A panel discussion gave candidates the opportunity to reflect on their own political journeys, sharing the challenges they had faced as well as their aspirations for the future.  

H.E. Lomi Bedo, Deputy Speaker of the House of Peoples’ Representatives, noted that while women currently make up 42% of parliament, efforts were ongoing to raise this to 46%. She urged candidates to strengthen outreach to women from diverse backgrounds by addressing issues that directly affect their lives, and to build networks across party lines to tackle shared challenges. 

The women leading the way

The candidates at the heart of the event are alumni of NIMD’s Ethiopian Democracy Academy (EDAC) and the Ethiopian Democracy Academy for Women (EDAW). Established in 2020, EDAC was Ethiopia’s first democracy academy, built on the conviction that democracy thrives when its participants are equipped with the skills, values, and commitment to uphold it. As the programme grew, it became clear that deeper gender disparities required a more targeted response and thus EDAW was born. A dedicated platform funded by the European Union to strengthen the leadership capacity of women politicians across political parties and regions in Ethiopia.  

Since its inception, EDAW has completed eight rounds of training, reaching over 300 women political actors. Together with EDAC, the programmes have trained more than 800 political party members and young political actors since 2020. Beyond individual capacity strengthening, EDAW has played a significant role in fostering trust and collaboration among women from often competing political backgrounds. Together they build relationships that transcend party lines and contribute to a more constructive political culture. Find out more about NIMD’s Democracy Education programme here.  

Building networks that last 

The impact of EDAW and EDAC extends well beyond the classroom through vibrant alumni networks that sustain engagement and collaboration. Graduates have gone on to establish formal associations such as the EVLA and the Emerging Women Leaders Association (EWLA). These platforms provide spaces for peer support, collective action, and continued leadership development, ensuring that the positive developments of the programmes are institutionalized, and the relationships that are built across party lines are sustained. 

More than 100 candidates from both EDAC and EDAW alumni are expected to compete in Ethiopia’s upcoming 7th General Election, indeed several alumni are already serving in leadership positions in Ethiopia’s political parties. The growing community of women leaders emerging from EDAW and EDAC stands as a testament to what sustained investment in political leadership can achieve and as a foundation for a more inclusive democratic future in Ethiopia. 

Read more about the event on NIMD Ethiopia’s Facebook page here.