Today, on African Women's Day, we take a moment to recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions of Yetemegn (Yettie) Kebede, co-founder of DEMERA. Originally from Ethiopia, Yettie has lived in the Netherlands for over 24 years, where she has made significant strides in empowering African women through education and technology.
A Visionary Leader
Yettie is not only the chairwoman of DEMERA but also one of its founders. With over 14 years of extensive ICT experience in universities and municipalities, she currently serves as a Senior Modern Workplace Engineer at De Connectie in the Netherlands. Here, she manages cloud resources and services, including the M365 platform. Her ambition extends beyond personal achievements; she is dedicated to increasing the participation of women in tech. Her unwavering efforts aim to inspire her immediate circle and pave the way for women yet to realize their potential in this field. Her vision is for a more inclusive tech community where women in technology are the norm, not the exception.
DEMERA: Yettie's Masterpiece
DEMERA is more than just an organization; it is Yettie's blueprint for a transformed Ethiopia. Through her vision, DEMERA aims to leverage the power of education and technology to nurture a nation where individuals, regardless of their background, can thrive in a digitally empowered society. Yettie's comprehensive educational reforms are designed to catalyze profound economic, social, and governance improvements across Ethiopia. By investing in human capital and collaborating with global and local partners, she aims to create a sustainable development cycle that uplifts the current generation and lays a solid foundation for future leaders. In Yettie's envisioned future, Ethiopia's youth are not just consumers of knowledge but creators of solutions, driving the nation forward in all sectors.
Empowering Through Education
As the African Union firmly believe that "quality education is a cornerstone for empowering women and girls". Yettie's work with DEMERA exemplifies this belief. Under her leadership, DEMERA focuses on forging educational and professional pathways for Ethiopian students, with a particular emphasis on leveling the playing field for women and differently-abled individuals. The mission includes offering virtual training and certification to develop crucial tech skills, enhancing the capabilities of public higher education institutions, and implementing programs that promote inclusivity. DEMERA also supports startup incubation, translating education into economic opportunity, and partnering with global IT firms to bolster career paths and foster entrepreneurship within the tech sector."
Impact and Achievements
Under Yettie’s headship, DEMERA has initiated significant projects. One notable achievement is the collaboration with Wollo University, which graduated over 80 students from a conventional IT training program. Additionally, DEMERA is about to start new initiatives with Addis Ababa University, involving 200 undergraduate students. This vital work underscores the importance of Yettie’s contributions and the impact of her vision and dedication.
In celebrating African Women's Day, we acknowledge Yettie Kebede's outstanding work and her relentless efforts to empower women through technology and education. Her impact is a testament to the power of dedication and vision in transforming lives and communities. Yettie’s blueprint for DEMERA stands as her masterpiece, guiding Ethiopia toward a future where education and technology pave the way for progress and inclusion.
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