Ethiopia has officially launched the Ethiopian Insurance Women Association (EthIWA),  a national milestone set to foster professional advancement, ethical leadership, and continental collaboration among women in insurance.

The launch took place during the 51st Conference and Annual General Assembly of the African Insurance Organization (AIO), held this week in Addis Ababa. After nearly two decades of absence from the African Insurance Women Association (AIWA) due to the lack of a national women’s platform, Ethiopia now joins the continental network through the formation of EthIWA.

At the helm of this groundbreaking association is none other than Meseret Bezabih, CEO of Hibret Insurance S.C. and one of the most respected figures in Ethiopia’s insurance landscape. Elected as the first president of EthIWA, Meseret brings decades of experience, a record of corporate leadership, and a passion for women’s advancement to the role.

“Today, I am here to herald good news about the establishment of Ethiopian Insurance Women Association (EthIWA) at the 20th birthday of the African Insurance Women Association (AIWA) established in 2005,” she announced in her keynote speech at the launch event.

She highlighted AIWA’s core principles as a non-religious, non-political, and non-ethnic professional association, dedicated to the growth of women in the African insurance industry.

“The success of any goal is unattainable without the active participation of women,” she emphasized, adding, “Africa and Ethiopia are home to numerous thriving institutions led by women, a testament to the value of empowering female professionals.”

Meseret also reflected on the deeper qualities women bring to leadership: care, resilience, and commitment, traits often nurtured through personal roles such as motherhood and caregiving, yet deeply impactful in corporate governance and sectoral growth.

EthIWA’s establishment is expected to catalyze mentorship, leadership development, and cross-border collaboration. As a member of AIWA, the association will give Ethiopian insurance professionals a long-overdue voice on continental platforms and help elevate local standards to global levels.

In closing, Meseret reaffirmed EthIWA’s dedication: “We are determined and ready to work in full solidarity with AIWA to promote the advancement of women in Africa’s insurance industry.”