Born: 1982 (Amhara region, Ethiopia)
Yetnebersh Nigussie (born 24 January 1982) is an Ethiopian lawyer and disability rights activist. In 2017, she was awarded the Right Livelihood Award for her inspiring work promoting the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities, allowing them to realize their full potential and changing mindsets in our societies.
Early Life and Education:
Yetnebersh Nigussie lost her eyesight at the age of 5. She describes this instance as an opportunity as it helped her to escape from the early marriage which was widely exercised in Amhara region, where she was born. Despite the challenges she faced, Yetnebersh was determined to pursue an education. She attended her primary classes at Shashemane Catholic School for the Blind, where she received a inclusive education and support for her visual impairment. She then joined Menelik II Senior Secondary School, an inclusive school, and studied there until 12th grade. In addition to her academic involvement in the school, she chaired more than 6 students’ clubs including the students’ counsel.
Yetnebersh Nigussie’s passion for education and advocacy continued as she attended Addis Ababa University, where she earned her undergraduate degree in law and her master’s in social work. She was actively involved in extracurricular activities, chairing the AAU Anti-AIDS movement in 2004-2005. In 2006, she founded the Addis Ababa University (AAU) Female Students Association and served as its first president. Yetnebersh’s academic achievements and leadership abilities played a vital role in shaping her future as a disability rights activist.
Activism:
During her service for the Anti-AIDS movement, Yetnebersh received various national and international awards, including the AMANITARE award in 2003. This award recognized her strong advocacy work for girls’ education and was presented to her in South Africa by the African Partnership for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights of Women and Girls.
Yetnebersh’s dedication to promoting the rights of persons with disabilities led her to become involved in numerous organizations. From 2003 to 2007, she chaired the Ethiopian National Association of the Blind Women’s Wing, where she actively championed the rights of blind women in Ethiopia. Inspired by her experiences and the pressing need for change, she co-founded the Ethiopian Center for Disability and Development (ECDD) along with other influential Ethiopians. This local organization worked towards promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities in various development programs, including economic empowerment.
As of 2016, Yetnebersh Nigussie joined the disability and development NGO Light for the World, where she has been making a significant impact. Prior to her role at Light for the World, she served as a member of their International Board of Ambassadors. Her tireless efforts in advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities and promoting inclusive development have earned her recognition and admiration.
Awards:
In September 2017, Yetnebersh Nigussie was named a joint winner of the Right Livelihood Award, often referred to as the Alternative Nobel Prize. She received this prestigious recognition for her inspiring work in promoting the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities, empowering them to reach their full potential while challenging prevailing mindsets in society.
Additionally, Yetnebersh was honored with the Spirit of Helen Keller Award, which further propelled her commitment to advocating for disability rights. Inspired by these accolades, she initiated the ‘Her Abilities Award’ together with Light for the World. The award aims to honor women with disabilities who have achieved greatness in their respective fields, highlighting their accomplishments and further empowering those who face multiple barriers in society.
Yetnebersh Nigussie’s life and work stand as a testament to her unwavering determination and resilience in the face of adversity. Her unwavering commitment to equality and inclusion has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on society, making her a significant figure in women’s history and a champion for the rights of persons with disabilities.