Mountains in Ethiopia
Why are you a Girl Gone International?
Why did you choose to move to Uganda?
I was born in Dila, Ethiopia. After university,
I worked as a school principal in Bahir Dar and
joined the Rotary Club, working on projects
with people from other countries. After three
years at the school, I left to look for a new
life – it is uncommon for a young woman to
live alone – in Addis Ababa. There, I learned I
am a nomadic soul. I started travelling after
discovering the Couchsurfing website. I found
meeting travellers and hosting them to be the
easiest way to learn about other countries.
I wanted to volunteer in another country and
also understand more about Africa. I now
work f or an African NGO, African Initiatives
for Relief and Development, as an Administrator and Communications Officer.
Is it common for women in Africa to travel or
go international?
Travelling for adventure is rare. Many women
don’t travel because of the view that women
should be married, have children and settle
down. People were surprised and even called
me crazy because I stayed in Africa. It is far
more common to move abroad looking for
better opportunities. On the other hand,
some people admire me for living how I want.
What do you like about Uganda?
People are very free-spirited and live in
the moment. I also like the opportunity the
country gives me for new experiences.
Recently, I went to Burkina Faso, where I
sat on a living crocodile at a lake in Bazoule!