About Us

Mission

To partner with Ethiopian communities to strengthen clean water access, education, empowerment of women and marginalized people, healthcare, and food security -- all driven by local leadership and collaboration.

Vision

We envision thriving communities in which people lead healthy and productive lives.

Where We Work

Central Ethiopia Region Highlighted in Orange

Ethiopia is located in East Africa and is home to over 110 million people. Often called the "Cradle of Humanity," Ethiopia has an ancient culture rich with tradition, language, music and delicious food. While Ethiopia has achieved significant economic growth in the past two decades, it still remains a low-income country with 25% of the population living in extreme poverty (defined as living on less than $2.15 a day.)

WEEMA operates within the Central Ethiopia Region- specifically Tembaro Special Woreda, Kembata Zone, Hadiya Zone, and Halaba Special Woreda. This area has a combined population of approximately 3 million people. Like in much of Ethiopia, most work as subsistence, smallholder farmers. These farmers and their families remain very vulnerable to Ethiopia's cyclical droughts- droughts that are intensifying due to climate change.

Our Story

WEEMA International began in 2011 as “Mudula Water,” with the goal of bringing clean water to 10,000 people living in Mudula, a rural town in southwestern Ethiopia. The results were this project were quite profound- hundreds of girls no longer had to spend countless hours every day collecting water many kilometers away and could focus on their schooling, women had more time working on their farms and caring for their families, and fewer people were getting sick from diarrheal disease.

After this initial water project, Dr. Elizabeth McGovern, WEEMA’s founder, was inspired by meetings with individuals from Mudula who identified other related community needs. Community leaders identified that, in addition to needing access to clean water, there were huge gaps in terms of access to quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

In 2013, we officially changed our name from Mudula Water to WEEMA International to reflect our expanded, more holistic community-led approach. We call ourselves WEEMA because the word in a local language means wholeness and fulfillment – core values we uphold and strive for in our work and impact. WEEMA is also an acronym representing the core areas of our work: Water, Education, Empowerment, Medical Care, and Agriculture.

Cultural significance of weema

The word ‘weema’ is a meaningful one in Tembarsa, the local dialect spoken in the Kembata-Tembaro Zone of Ethiopia. It can mean something that carries all the necessary or important elements in it, and it also is an expression of optimism, hope, positivity, perfection and fullness or wholeness. It signifies something all encompassing. ‘Weema’ is a popular word in Tembaro culture. It is applied to many situations that relate back to the idea of wholeness. When two families of two ethnic groups are in conflict, local elders will call a special meeting to resolve the issue. After intensive negotiation, the elders must determine whether to offer a punishment or forgiveness. In cases where forgiveness is the recommended antidote, representatives from the two families drink from a single cup, filled to the brim with honey, at the same time. The elders will say, “Weema Aga,” or “Drink full together.” Once the two families have shared a full cup of honey, there can be no talk of revenge—only of forgiveness and moving forward together. When two young people become engaged, witnesses will ‘drink full’ or ‘Weema’ to approve the engagement, allowing for the arrangement of a marriage ceremony—another bringing together. Weema is also a means of sealing a business arrangement. It serves as a promise, either to deliver livestock or products or to repay a loan. Weema is also used publicly as a display of friendship and loyalty. Two friends will ‘drink full’ at a public gathering such as the market. Sharing a drink together is an expression of love.

Community-Led Development

“WEEMA was the first development organization that asked us what we thought we needed.”

— Mudula community elder

At WEEMA, we are proud of our unique approach on community-led development, which underpins all of our work in Ethiopia. We are actively involved in the Movement for Community-Led Development, a global coalition that is bringing more attention to this important topic and ‘best practices’ in the field.

For us, community-led development means working hand-in-hand with the community at every step – from conceptualizing a specific need, to designing a sustainable solution, to building accountability and improvement mechanisms. This means regular interactions with community members at all levels, from village elders and local government officials, to local teachers and health workers, to direct participants in the projects, such as school-age children or people with disabilities. Ultimately, it’s about asking and listening. Only by engaging communities can we hope to achieve long-lasting impacts.

As stated by the Movement for Community-Led Development, “Development happens in communities. We believe that every human person has a fundamental right to voice in the decisions that affect their lives, and to equal and affordable access to the fundamental public services through which they can achieve their full potential.” WEEMA embraces this approach.

Our Values

We...

Act with integrity
Are accountable and responsive
Strengthen existing systems, nurture local talent, and are guided by community feedback
Respect local culture and traditions
Prioritize long-lasting solutions

Our Team

Leadership: Ethiopia

Assefa Tadesse

Country Director

READ BIO

Assefa has served as WEEMA's Country Director since 2021. He first joined WEEMA in 2016 as an education officer and was quickly promoted to Education Manager and then HR Manager. Before joining WEEMA, he was a geography and economics teacher, a school supervisor in Addis Ababa, and a project facilitator at World Vision Ethiopia.

Assefa has a Master of Arts in Development Psychology from Addis Ababa University, Master of Business Administration from Debre Markos University, and Bachelor of Arts in Geography from Bahir Dar University.

Abayneh Kebede

HEAD OF FINANCE AND OPERATIONS

READ BIO

Abayneh is a highly experienced and skilled Finance and Grants Management professional with over 20 years of experience working in international NGOs. He has a proven track record of success in managing complex grants from a variety of donors, including the US Government Department of Labor, USAID, DFID, DFAT, and JICA. He is also an expert in Accounting, Budgeting, Disbursements, and Human Resource management.

Prior to joining WEEMA, Abayneh worked as a Grants Coordinator with The Fred Hollows Foundation, Senior Finance Manager at GOAL Ethiopia, and Finance and Administration Manager at World Vision. He also has experience working as a Finance Coordinator, Emergency Response Finance Coordinator, Senior Finance Officer Grant, Senior Finance Officer, and Document Custodian.

Abayneh received his MBA in Accounting and Finance from St. Mary University School of Graduate Studies, BA in Accounting from Admas University, and Commerce Diploma in Accounting from Addis Ababa Commercial College.

Tigist Mohammed

FINANCE MANAGER

READ BIO

Tigist is WEEMA’s second full-time employee (since 2014), and has over 14 years of accounting experience and is passionate about serving the poor. She brings extensive knowledge and experience - beginning with her first job at Compassion International Ethiopia in her native Hawassa - and is a critical asset to the WEEMA team.

Tigist holds a Master of Arts in Accounting and Finance from Admas University, Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Hawassa University, Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Addis Ababa University, and a diploma in accounting from Africa Beza College.

Nardos Habtamu

ASSOCIATE FINANCE OFFICER

READ BIO

Nardos is a highly skilled and experienced accountant, finance professional. She holds a Bachelor of Accounting and Finance degree from CPU Business and Information Technology College and a Master of Business Administration degree from Debre Markos University. She was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and has over six years of experience in finance and accounting.

Before joining WEEMA in 2022, Nardos had four years of experience in accounting and finance at Neham International and was an Operation Research Lecturer(Part Time) at Admas University for three years.

Nardos is a highly motivated and results-oriented individual with a strong work ethic. She is also a team player. She is passionate about her work. She got an award letter from her previous organization with the title of the best employee of the year for the last three consecutive years.she is studying PhD in Christian Leadership and Management currently.

In addition to her professional skills, Nardos also has an interest in writing guidebooks for children.

Amanuel Abera

Head of programs

READ BIO

Amanuel was born in Tembaro and is happy to be working closely within the communities where he grew up.
Prior to WEEMA, he worked as a partnership facilitator at Compassion International where he led efforts to improve measurement, monitoring, learning and accountability within the organization and with local partner organizations. He also worked as a leadership development program specialist at Compassion International. He holds a Master of Arts in Development Studies from the Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology, and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Addis Ababa University.

Seida Yassin

Economic Empowerment & Gender Program ManageR

READ BIO

Seida has over 15 years of experience leading women’s empowerment and development projects in Ethiopia. Prior to WEEMA, she worked for three years at Save Lives Ethiopia. She then joined the Women Fuel Carriers Association, an organization empowering women collecting firewood to learn other income generating activities such as weaving, small trades and small-city agriculture. She coordinated all of these women empowerment efforts at the association’s four branch locations in Addis Ababa. Seida holds a master’s degree in Development Psychology and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Addis Ababa University. She has multiple certifications, including in Social Enterprise Leadership.

Mulatu Shomore

Field office Manager

READ BIO

Mulatu has over ten years of experience coordinating and managing development programs in Ethiopia. He has worked for multiple International NGOs including World Vision and Food for the Hungry, implementing agriculture and youth livelihood programs. Mulatu’s career has taken him to various locations in Ethiopia, but he is happy for the opportunity to now be working with WEEMA in his home district of Tembaro. Mulatu is passionate about community engagement and working with local leaders to sustainably implement all programs. Mulatu has a Bachelors of Science degree in Agriculture Economics from Haremaya University, and Diplomas in Computer Science and General Agriculture from Ambo University.

Kurabachew Abiyu

Health and WASH Program MANAGER

READ BIO

Kurabachew joined WEEMA in 2018 as Health Programs Facilitator, and has been promoted to Health and WASH Program Manager. Prior to joining WEEMA, Kurabachew worked as the Health Officer and Primary Health Care Unit Director in Debub Ambukuna Health Center in Tembaro district, where he led the staff to achieve recognition from the regional and federal government for performance. Kurabachew completed BSc in Public Health at Wolaita Sodo University, MBA at New Global Vision College, and MPH in Reproductive Health from Wolaita Sodo University.

Mekonnen Manaye

Education and Social Inclusion Program Manager

READ BIO

Mekonnen has over 15 years experience leading programs that enhance the quality, equity and accessibility of education including community based rehabilitation, disability projects, rural development, cultural diversity and social activities. He strives to keep child wellbeing at the center of his approach and is passionate about inclusive education for girls with disabilities and marginalized groups. Mekonnen holds a Master of Education in Special Needs and Inclusive Education, as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Needs and Inclusive Education from Addis Ababa University, and a Diploma in Special Needs Education from Kotebe Metropolitan University.

Leadership: United States

Elizabeth McGovern

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/BOARD MEMBER

READ BIO

Liz founded WEEMA in 2011. She is passionate about the issues of extreme poverty, particularly the effects of the water crisis on women and girls. Prior to becoming the full-time executive director of WEEMA, Liz worked for 19 years as a family physician serving the urban poor, including immigrants and newly arrived refugees. Liz's ties to Ethiopia date back to 2008, and she currently travels to Ethiopia three times a year. She received her B.S. from Haverford College and her M.D. from the University of Pittsburgh.

Lianna Tabar-Downes

DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS

READ BIO

Lianna joined WEEMA in 2014 after living in Ethiopia for 18 months working as the in-country director of Kissito Healthcare International. Lianna received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of San Diego, and her Masters of Public Health with a concentration in International Health from Boston University. She also has extensive public health field experience, including in Uganda when she served as Program Manager for the Massachusetts General Hospital Division of Global Health and Human Rights.

Susan Daly

Director of Finance and Operations

READ BIO

Susan brings extensive accounting experience – and other wide-ranging skills and interests – to her role as WEEMA’s Director of Finance and Operations. After working for a decade as an accountant, she spent 18 years as a firefighter in Groton, MA, including five years as a Captain. In 2012, she adopted two boys from Ethiopia and a third son in 2016. Her visits to Ethiopia opened her eyes to the lack of economic opportunities for women, and it prompted her to open a shop that specializes in products made by women from Ethiopia and dozens of other countries. Her interest in Ethiopia deepened further after meeting WEEMA’s founder. “It was a total alignment of my passions – working with women, working in Ethiopia, and community development work,” Susan says of her decision to join WEEMA in 2019.

Gina DaCruz

Development Manager

READ BIO

Gina DaCruz has deep roots with the organization and is passionate about their holistic community-led approach. Joining the board in 2011, she has been invested in WEEMA’s work for over a decade. She is enthusiastic about sharing WEEMA’s story and building community with our supporters. She earned a master's degree from the University of New Hampshire in Sociology & Family Research and a second master's degree from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst in Family Therapy. Gina has worked in the fields of mental health, education, and social justice; always with a focus on under-served populations such as immigrant families. As an artist and children’s book illustrator, she works in mixed media and is inspired by everyday life and the beauty of Ethiopia.

Our Board

Elizabeth McGovern

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/BOARD MEMBER

READ BIO

Dr. Elizabeth McGovern founded WEEMA in 2011. She is passionate about the issues of extreme poverty, especially the effects of the water crisis on women and girls. Prior to becoming the full-time executive director of WEEMA, Liz worked for 19 years as a family physician serving the urban poor including immigrants and newly arrived refugees. Liz's ties to Ethiopia date back to 2008 and she currently travels to Ethiopia three times a year.

Denise Faneuff

Treasurer

READ BIO

Denise Faneuff, a psychotherapist with deep ties to Ethiopia, has served as a WEEMA board member since 2012. After first being enticed by WEEMA’s clean water work, she had come to believe in WEEMA’s broader strategies and close community relationships.Her professional background also helps her value the importance of WEEMA’s holistic approach. “As a psychologist, I appreciate how not having access to water, food and education impacts your basic well-being – psychologically and emotionally, for generations to come,” she says. Faneuff is thrilled to be contributing her skills and passions to support WEEMA’s work.

Habtamu Lamore

Board CHAIR

READ BIO

Habtamu Lamore joined WEEMA’s board in 2015, but his connections to the organization go back to 2010 when he found Liz McGovern – and her interest in helping Ethiopia – through an Internet search. Habtamu grew up in Mudula and was excited to team up with Liz to set up a platform to help the region thrive. After a few weeks of research and interviews with local leaders, Habtamu put together a concept note that identified four priority areas – clean water, education, health and women’s empowerment. These are the key pillars of WEEMA’s strategy today. Today, Habtamu continues to be impressed by WEEMA’s holistic approach and its willingness to listen to the community. “It’s very personal to me,” he says, of his relationship with WEEMA. Habtamu holds a Master’s degree in education psychology and is currently living outside Washington DC.

Peyton Fleming

Board Member

READ BIO

Peyton Fleming, a long-time nonprofit activist and journalist, joined WEEMA's board in spring 2023. Peyton has studied, traveled and written about Africa for most of his life and has been especially interested in Ethiopia - and WEEMA - since adopting a daughter there in 2006. He is especially impressed with WEEMA's community-led focus and core belief in empowerment as the secret sauce to achieve long-lasting sustainable development.

Phillip Mason

secretary / clerk

READ BIO

Philip Mason has served on the WEEMA board since spring 2019. Phillip has worked for over 15 years in fundraising and events management, and has extensive experience supporting programs focused on inclusion of helping people with disabilities in the domestic and international spheres. He is currently Associate Director of Individual Giving for the Disability Rights Fund and the Disability Rights Advocacy Fund, headquartered in Boston. Among his most memorable work experiences was in Tanzania, where he led a campaign to raise awareness and reduce mistreatment of people with albinism – something he also lives with. When he learned about WEEMA’s disability work in Ethiopia, he decided to jump in and help.

Corey Van Hove

Board Member

READ BIO

Corey Van Hove joined WEEMA’s board in 2013, one year after visiting Ethiopia and seeing WEEMA’s work firsthand. She was especially inspired by WEEMA’s Ethiopia team. “They’re a very special bunch,” she says. “The excitement, the enthusiasm, the happiness and the talent they bring is so special.” WEEMA’s careful scrutiny of community needs and “niches” they can fill also impresses her. A surgeon by training, she points to WEEMA’s efforts to provide modern medical equipment – and staff training on using it – to rural hospitals. Supporting and expanding traditional beekeeping enterprises – especially women-led ventures – is another example. “WEEMA knows what is being done well. They also do a good job of filling in the blanks,” says Corey, who lives in Washington DC.

Frehiywot Samuel

Board Member

READ BIO

Frehiywot currently works for the law firm Wiley Rein in Washington DC. He was the Chief Justice to the Southern Nation, Nationalities and Peoples’ (SNNP) State Supreme Courts in Ethiopia. Previously he chaired the Justice System Reform of the States and served as a legal advisor to SNNP State Governor. Throughout his career he has drafted 35 State Laws and supervised, monitored and coordinated the implementation of justice system reform programs. He also served as Chairman of the Independent Inquiry Commission that looked into human rights violations in May 2005 after the elections. He holds a law degree from Addis Ababa University.