Yemodish Bekele

Yemodish Bekele (1960 - 2025) was a published author of thirteen books, including poetry, short stories, and a novella, and was the first Ethiopian woman to publish her own collection of short stories. A crime journalist, Yemedish was also the first woman to become the head editor for Polis Ena Ermijaw (‘Police and Future Journeys’) the newspaper of the Federal Police in Ethiopia.

She was an activist for women’s rights and equality, using her television and radio platforms to amplify women’s voices and issues. She was the Founder and Executive Director of Women Can Do It and also served on the boards of several organizations committed to the advancement of women. She served as president of the Ethiopian Women Writers’ Association and as chair of the board of the Network of Ethiopian Women's Associations. She worked tirelessly to promote women’s empowerment and representation across all sectors of society.

Biography Yemodish was born in 1960 in the Teklehaiymanot area of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where she attended the local primary school Africa Andinet, and attended secondary school in Addis Ketema.

Yemedish is known as a supporter of many poets in Ethiopia, and is involved in showcasing both her own work and the work of others at poem-a-thons in Addis Ababa.

Since retiring from Polis Ena Ermijaw, Yemodish writes and participates in organisations devoted to women's rights. She served as the Executive Directress of Women Can Do It, a President of the Ethiopian Women Writers’ Association and the chair of the board of the Network for Ethiopian Women's Associations.

Yemodish Bekele is shown in the picture representing Ethiopia.