Draft:Hiwot Emishaw

Hiwot Emishaw
BornHiwot Emishaw Gebrehiwot
(1981-08-30) 30 August 1981 (age 43)
Shoa, Ethiopia
Pen name
  • Hiwi
Occupation
  • Author
  • Humanitarian Advocate
Alma mater
PeriodContemporary
Genres
Years active2010–present
Spouse
  • Abere Shiferaw
    (m. 2007)
Website
www.facebook.com/hiwotyee/

Hiwot Emishaw, known by her pen name Hiwi, is an Ethiopian author known for her poignant and socially aware literary works. Born in the small neighborhood of Mehal Meda in Addis Ababa, Hiwi has made a significant impact with her exploration of themes like identity and societal norms, particularly around skin color and beauty standards in Ethiopian society. Her writings often challenge deep-seated prejudices and offer a critical look at the cultural and sociological impacts of skin color.

Hiwi's literary journey includes several books that have been well-received for their insightful and often humorous portrayal of daily life. Her works include "Baricho," "Mata Mata," and "Le Erkan Rub Guday," among others. These books not only reflect her sharp narrative skills but also her ability to engage with serious social issues in an accessible way.

In addition to her literary pursuits, Hiwi has a background in communications and marketing, working with various NGOs, which has influenced her writing and advocacy. She is admired for her ability to seamlessly integrate her professional and creative endeavors, living out her passions without strict compartmentalization. Hiwi continues to be an influential voice in Ethiopian literature, with her works resonating with many for their portrayal of real-life challenges and their critique of societal expectations.

Hiwot Emishaw is a seasoned communications, advocacy, and media professional with 20 years of extensive experience across 20 African countries. Known for her strategic storytelling and impactful crisis communication management, Hiwot has developed and led successful communication strategies and campaigns that address some of the world’s most pressing issues, including conflict, the climate crisis, and education. With a Master’s degree in Political Science and International Relations and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Hiwot has built a career marked by collaboration with leading international organizations such as Save the Children International, Management Sciences for Health, ABT Associates, Concern Worldwide, and the Ethiopian Human Rights Council. Her work spans partnerships with INGOs, local NGOs, UN institutions, and media agencies across Africa, positioning her as a key figure in shaping narratives that drive policy and action on the continent.

Currently, Hiwot serves as the Strategic Communication Lead for Africa at Save the Children, where she oversees high-stakes communications and media efforts across the continent. Her leadership roles in media, advocacy, and campaigns have taken her to countries such as Ethiopia, Sudan, Bangladesh, Kenya, Nigeria, and more. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Hiwot is a celebrated author in Ethiopia, recently publishing her fifth book. Her creative work complements her communications expertise, making her a powerful voice in both the literary and advocacy arenas.

Hiwot Emishaw is an Ethiopian author known for her poignant and socially aware literary works. Born in the small neighborhood of Mehal Meda in Addis Ababa, Emishaw has made a significant impact with her exploration of themes like identity and societal norms, particularly around skin color and beauty standards in Ethiopian society. Her writings often challenge deep-seated prejudices and offer a critical look at the cultural and sociological impacts of skin color. Emishaw's literary journey includes several books that have been well-received for their insightful and often humorous portrayal of daily life. Her works include "Baricho," "Mata Mata," and "Le Erkan Rub Guday," among others. These books not only reflect her sharp narrative skills but also her ability to engage with serious social issues in an accessible way. In addition to her literary pursuits, Emishaw has a background in communications and marketing, working with various NGOs, which has influenced her writing and advocacy. She is admired for her ability to seamlessly integrate her professional and creative endeavors, living out her passions without strict compartmentalization. Hiwot Emishaw continues to be an influential voice in Ethiopian literature, with her works resonating with many for their portrayal of real-life challenges and their critique of societal expectations

Hiwot Emishaw is a seasoned communications, advocacy, and media professional with 20 years of extensive experience across 20 African countries. Known for her strategic storytelling and impactful crisis communication management, Hiwot has developed and led successful communication strategies and campaigns that address some of the world’s most pressing issues, including conflict, the climate crisis, and education. With a Master’s degree in Political Science and International Relations and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Hiwot has built a career marked by collaboration with leading international organizations such as Save the Children International, Management Sciences for Health, ABT Associates, Concern Worldwide, and the Ethiopian Human Rights Council. Her work spans partnerships with INGOs, local NGOs, UN institutions, and media agencies across Africa, positioning her as a key figure in shaping narratives that drive policy and action on the continent. Currently, Hiwot serves as the Strategic Communication Lead for Africa at Save the Children, where she oversees high-stakes communications and media efforts across the continent. Her leadership roles in media, advocacy, and campaigns have taken her to countries such as Ethiopia, Sudan, Bangladesh, Kenya, Nigeria, and more. In addition to her professional accomplishments,

Hiwot is a celebrated author in Ethiopia, recently publishing her fifth book. Her creative work complements her communications expertise, making her a powerful voice in both the literary and advocacy arenas. In her work, she addresses the experiences of dark-skinned Ethiopians and the biases they face, particularly as women in Ethiopian society, which she has discussed in various essays and stories that resonate widely with her audience. Beyond writing, Hiwot balances a career in communications, previously working for NGOs while also creating a significant online presence where she shares her reflections and observations. Her writings often draw comparisons to African authors like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie for her perceptive and thought-provoking narrative style, bringing Ethiopian issues to the forefront and challenging social norms​.