Tsion Engdaye Mekonnen

Tsion Engdaye is the Youth Affairs Department Head and National Executive committee member of the major opposition political party in Ethiopia, Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice (Ezema).

Tsion joined Ezema at the age of 22, believing that her participation in politics would inspire young people like her, to stand up for their rights and say no to injustices. Tsion is a strong advocate for women, youth, and people with disabilities’ participation, meaningful engagement, representation, and empowerment. She is also working as a Project Manager for a feminist movement entitled: Setaweet. Tsion served as an Intern and paralegal at the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, FDRE Council of Constitutional Inquiry, and Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association Free legal aid service.

Tsion obtained her LL.B Degree from Addis Ababa University. During her undergraduate career, Tsion was a coordinator and a member of “The Yellow Movement”, a student led initiative advocating for gender equality and the eradication of gender-based violence. Her work in The Yellow Movement made her realize that legal, political and policy reforms would significantly change Ethiopian women’s lives for many years to come. Tsion strongly believes that adequate representation of women, youth, and people with disabilities serving in political office is key for alike communities to be seen and heard throughout their countries.