Kalkidan Firdawek Tekletsadik

Kalkidan Firdawek’s formative years in Addis Ababa were shaped by a highly supportive family environment and a strong emphasis on academic achievement. This stability contrasted sharply with her later experiences while pursuing higher education in Tigray, where she witnessed widespread conflict, instability, and the devastating effects of conflict-related sexual violence. A pivotal moment occurred during a facility visit, when she encountered a 13-year-old survivor of sexual violence. The profound pain in the child’s eyes became a defining catalyst, reshaping Kalkidan’s purpose toward humanitarian intervention and the pursuit of justice.

After relocating to Gondar to complete her studies, she continued to observe persistent instability, reinforcing her conviction that Ethiopia has yet to fully address the long-term consequences of conflict. These experiences deepened her awareness of the heightened vulnerability of women and children and strengthened her belief in the urgent need for effective peacebuilding and community protection mechanisms.

Following graduation, Kalkidan volunteered with organisations serving marginalised rural communities, gaining firsthand insight into structural challenges such as limited access to essential services and weak protection systems. These experiences further solidified her commitment to advocacy and advancing the rights and dignity of vulnerable populations. As a junior professional, she has been inspired to pursue a specialised path in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention and response. She is driven to support survivors and contribute to community-led solutions that promote safety and equality, with the goal of becoming a strong leader who strengthens local and national GBV response systems.