Goalkeepers changemaker Eden Tadesse’s Journey of empowering refugees through innovation
NEW York, USA Sep 20 – Eden Tadesse, a 26-year-old social entrepreneur and activist from Ethiopia, is making waves on the global stage for her remarkable efforts in transforming the lives of refugees.
Tadesse is among six changemakers who received a global award at the annual Goalkeepers Award by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
She was awarded alongside Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida, Cameroon’s Ashu Martha Agbornyenty, aged 24 who is passionate about empowering midwives. Also awarded is the Farmlink Project from the U.S.
Kishida got the2023 Global Goalkeeper Award, which recognizes a leader who has driven progress on a global scale toward achieving the Global Goals having championed resilient, equitable, and sustainable universal health coverage for all; embedding the Global Goals in Japan’s development cooperation charter; and strengthening the global health architecture to prevent future pandemics.
The Goalkeepers community is a global collective of collaborative and diverse changemakers. Members include both emerging and well-known leaders who live all over the world and represent an eclectic range of cultures, professions, and interests.
Special recognition awards were presented to Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter and Bono for their tireless work over many decades towards global health and development.
The Goalkeepers Lifetime Achievement Award was given to former President Jimmy Carter andformer First Lady Rosalynn Carter, honoring their extraordinary work on disease eradication, mental health, democracy, conflict resolution, human rights, and, most notably, combating neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) such as Guinea worm disease, river blindness, and malaria. The award was accepted on their behalf by Paige Alexander, CEO of the Carter Center, and Jason Carter, chair of the Carter Center Board of Trustees.
The Goalkeepers Voice Award was presented to Bono, founder of the ONE Campaign and (RED), lead singer of the band U2, and activist, for his significant impact on SDG progress through advocacy and campaigning with ONE and (RED).
As a community, Goalkeepers are committed to achieving the 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development, an ambitious blueprint for reimagining a better future for all by 2030, agreed upon by all member states of the United Nations. As individuals, Goalkeepers are developing fresh ideas and doing innovative work to accelerate the progress across the goals in their region.
Read more about Changemakers Awarded At Gates Foundation’s Annual Goalkeepers In New York here.
“Refugees too deserve better. They deserve to live a descent a dignified life but that is not happening in the camps today,” she told journalists during an interview ahead of the award ceremony held at the Jazz and Lincoln Centre, attended by from across the world, including celebrities.
Her work centers on providing training and employment opportunities to thousands of refugees through her platform, Invicta that focuses on refugees.
The latest report by the UNHCR shows that the world has surpassed the 100 million mark for total displacement, meaning that over 1.2% of the global population has been forced to leave their homes. Among these people are over 32.5 million refugees.
“This is a crisis and that is why we are trying to find a solution although this is not enough. We need governments to set up proper policies,” she said, adding, “Our platform not only equips refugees with crucial technical skills but also empowers them with knowledge in business and marketing.”
Invicta, she said, does this for free.
The impact of her work speaks volumes, as Tadesse proudly noted, “To date, we’ve assisted 1,800 refugees in securing meaningful job opportunities. But it doesn’t stop there. We are equally committed to facilitating their access to education, ensuring they can further enhance their skills before entering the job market.”
Her commitment extends across 90 countries, reaching displaced individuals in diverse corners of the world.
Eden Tadesse’s remarkable journey, from the challenging streets of Addis Ababa to the global stage as a champion for refugee rights, illustrates the transformative power of dedication, innovation, and a commitment to uplifting the lives of those in need.
According to Tadesse, the plight of refugees across the world has reached a new low, hence the urgent need for governments globally to take substantial action.
“We need governments to set proper policies and initiatives necessary to address the multifaceted challenges faced by refugees, particularly women and children,” she said, highlighting the challenges women and children face in refugees.
They include lack of access to clean water and sanitation, along with basic necessities among others.
“Women and children are the most vulnerable groups within refugee camps because they grapple with issues of survival and dignity because men are able to venture out in search of employment opportunities, leaving women and children to bear the brunt of the refugee experience,” she said.
Tadesse’s resolve to address these disparities fueled her determination to create tangible change.
“We are helping people secure employment, providing them with essential technical skills, as well as guidance in business and marketing,” she said during the interview.
This year’s 2023 Goalkeepers Global Goals Awards Ceremony was hosted by Elaine Welteroth, award-winning journalist, TV host, and author, and was attended by global leaders, activists, and celebrities. The event included special performances by Tiwa Savage, Nigerian singer-songwriter and actress; Usha Jey, Tamil dancer and choreographer; Zara Larsson, Swedish singer-songwriter; and the Harlem Gospel Choir.; Zara Larsson, Swedish singer-songwriter; and the Harlem Gospel Choir.
The daytime event featured special guests Jon Batiste, American musician and singer; David Oyelowo, actor, director, and producer; Titilope Sonuga, Nigerian poet and former poet laureate; and Sallie Krawcheck, founder of Ellevest.