I Might Be Small But Mighty Defines My Dedication To Mama Africa. Roman Girma Teshome

Telling different stories from East and Central Africa has been a blast. It is super amazing what young African leaders are doing. There is a revolution of change, smart working and transformation of communities that is going viral.

We cannot leave Ethiopia just yet before engaging with a young lady and champion of women’s empowerment, Roman Girma Teshome.

I was born in Ethiopia as the second child of three siblings. My childhood was spent focused on school and the curriculum because my family highly valued education.

Last year in July, I graduated from Addis Ababa University Law School with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree scoring one of the highest GPAs from my batch. I am currently working as an assistant lecturer of law in Dire Dawa University in Ethiopia.

If there is anything I love, it is advocating for women, they hold a special place in my heart. I volunteer with UN women. I was recently chosen as one of the Global Champions for Women’s Economic Empowerment from around the world.

This beautiful yet fulfilling task allows me to engage in different online and offline advocacy activities to empower women. This calling has opened huge opportunities for me in interacting and networking with other champions passionate in women’s economic empowerment and gender equality. 

When I am not speaking, singing or drumming Women’s rights, you will find me researching and writing scholarly articles on contemporary legal issues. I have published some in international law journals.

My gut has human rights protection, gender equality and social justice written all over it. This will see me head to Budapest, Hungary in a few months to pursue more knowledge on these issues. 

I like the look of things currently in Africa. By teenage hood, more African children are having an urge to change and shape this continent. There is a love for mama Africa like never before- a great awareness or maybe reawakening!

This is why I believe that leadership is having a positive influence on others. Being a role model and helping others climb up the ladder. I know young people from my community look up to me and I therefore always strive to help them discover and use their potential. Success for me is endless. We must all be deliberate in pursuing that journey. 

I am continually working on building my leadership skills. I apply for leadership opportunities every time I see a chance. This is actually how I got to YALI, through networking with my friends, I found out that some were alumni and I hit the next application button.

Being here has helped me widen my perspectives and completely shifted my paradigms. Don’t you just love meeting like-minded folk and especially from different countries? 

My advice for young African leaders is for them to know that life is full of opportunities, grab them! Pocket them! For crying out loud, run with them! Make yourself a better person because success is determined by how we use opportunities at our disposal.

I can’t forget to mention that we should never underestimate others. We should treat others with respect because you never know who you are engaging with and besides, everyone you meet adds a lesson to your life, good or bad.

The next 10 years? At the moment, I am working on pursuing my Masters in Human rights and humanitarian law which should begin in a few months in Hungary. I intend to engage in the same field after and hopefully get my PHD before I turn 30. That means I have six years left to work at it. I plan to work in the UN system as an expert and researcher in human rights.

Well done Roman! I can attest to your hard work and kindness. You are a true leader. I hope to meet you again soon in Ethiopia over your favorite meal Tibis, shiro with injera and engage on your progress.