On March 8, 2025, Tesfa Birhan Secondary High School in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, hosted a purposeful commemoration of International Women’s Day, aligning with the global theme for 2025: Accelerate Action. This event was not merely a celebration but an initiative to empower young women, particularly in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. Through a series of structured activities, the day underscored the urgent need to advance gender equality in education and innovation, equipping female students with the tools and inspiration to drive progress in Ethiopia’s STEM landscape.

The program commenced with a formal presentation that contextualized the day within the 2025 theme. The project’s Program Lead, Bezawit, outlined the historical evolution of International Women’s Day, emphasizing its roots in advocating for equity and its contemporary call to Accelerate Action for women’s advancement. This session highlighted the pressing need to close gender gaps in STEM fields critical to Ethiopia’s development yet historically underrepresented by women. The presentation established a tone of responsibility and momentum for the day’s agenda.

Following the opening, students were invited to translate the theme into personal action by documenting their aspirations. The prepared writing board in the hall became a repository for their STEM-focused goals, visions of engineering infrastructure, advancing scientific research, or becoming female entrepreneurs. Each handwritten note represented a commitment to accelerate their trajectories in fields where women’s contributions are urgently needed. This exercise was both symbolic and practical, laying the groundwork for tangible steps toward a more inclusive STEM future.

The event’s centerpiece was a Q&A session with Beza Tesfaye, a pioneering figure in space sciences. Beza captivated the audience with her story, recounting how her childhood fascination with the cosmos led her to a career among the stars. She spoke openly about her struggles as a woman in a male-dominated field, moments of doubt, barriers she faced, and the perseverance it took to break through. When a student asked for advice, Beza’s response was, “Pursue your dreams relentlessly, no matter the obstacles.” Her words ignited a fire of determination in the young girls listening intently.

Following the Q&A session, the school honored its top-scoring girls, those who achieved the highest marks in their respective grade levels across all sections, which were all girls for that academic quarter. These young women, many excelling in STEM subjects, stood as role models for their peers. The recognition celebrated their dedication and fueled a shared sense of motivation among the students.

The day wrapped up with a photo program that turned memories into keepsakes. Girls posed with friends, teachers, and even Beza Tesfaye, their smiles lighting up the frame. Laughter filled the air as they snapped playful shots, some holding up their dream notes or mimicking puzzle-solving poses. These photos became more than just images—they were snapshots of a day brimming with inspiration and camaraderie.