MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR BOGE HELD IN ADDIS ABABA
KMG Ethiopia successfully held a memorial service for Bogaletch Gebre in Addis Ababa on December 17th. This enabled people who were not able to attend the funeral service in Kambata pay tribute. The French Embassy in Addis Ababa graciously volunteered to host the memorial service which was attended by well over 150 people. Attendees included members of the diplomatic and donor communities, high government officials at the Federal , Regional and Zonal levels, international and local NGO’s, members of the media, family members, beneficiaries, friends and other supporters.
The memorial service started with a welcome from the French Ambassador Frederic Bonterms. The remaining program included brief tributes by: a KMG Board member Ms, Abesha Ferede, Belgian ambassador, a family representative, a government official, beneficiaries (uncut and married woman and golden hands); and taped speeches or written memorials from people who were not able to attend. Among the supporters who sent written memorials was Mr. Tim Clarke, Former EU Ambassador to the African Union.
A quote form Mr. Clarke’s letter nicely summarizes the spirit of the memorial:
“Boge will always have a special place in my heart. It was a real privilege and honor to know and work with her. She was a truly iconic figure – for me the most charismatic African woman I have ever encountered. Her passionate campaigning for women and girls’ rights on the African continent is matchless. Her legacy will live forever in the annals of Ethiopian history, and particularly Ethiopian women’s history.”
The program concluded after a brief video documentary on Ms. Bogalectch Gebre, followed by pledge to continue to support Boge’s mission
