![Aron Simeneh [CC0]](https://cdn.cloud.prio.org/images/PM_Abiy_Ahmed_Ali_(cropped).jpg?x=800&y=1200&m=Scale&hp=Center&vp=Center&ho=0&vo=0&)
The PRIO GPS Centre congratulates Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for receiving the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize. The Norwegian Nobel Committee recognises Ahmed's significant efforts to increase 'the influence of women in Ethiopian political and community life'.
'Abiy Ahmed has appointed women in half of Ethiopia's ministerial posts, including the country's first female defence minister. Not only do women hold a record number of ministerial positions, women also hold the top security posts during the ongoing peace process with Eritrea. Sahle-Work Zewde holds the position as President of Ethiopia, Aisha Mohammed is the Minister of Defence, and Muferiat Kami is the Minister of Peace. This is a first in Ethiopian history and very different from many other countries, as women are typically appointed in so-called soft issue ministerial posts. There are only 10 countries with gender parity cabinets worldwide, and only two in Africa. What Abiy Ahmed has done to advance women is exceptional', says GPS Centre Director Torunn L. Tryggestad.
