Hanetsom Arefaine

HIV / AIDS - Ethiopia (Horn of Africa)

Hanetsom Arefaine’s childhood ambition was to “become educated, join the civil service and serve my country and the people.” Despite his young age, Hanetsom is well on track with these plans. Currently, as head of finance and administration with the Women’s Association of Tigray, Hanetsom is engaged in the empowerment of women and girls who occupy a subordinate position in society and within household hierarchies. More than half of Ethiopia’s population live in absolute poverty, and females are commonly in the worst economic position.

Hanetstom’s Action Plan for OIYP2004 is to implement training courses for up to 500 young people in rural areas about HIV/AIDS awareness, basic skills and family planning. Hanetsom believes that OIYP2004 will provide “a great opportunity for my organisation and myself to share training opportunities and to network with other delegates”.