“ኤርትርያይት ወለት ኣንሰይት ምን ሸቈ ትኣደሜዕ ወ ምን ትትሃጌ ተኣሰሜዕ፡፡
ኤርትራዊት ጓል ኣንስተይቲ፡ ሰሪሓ ተድምዕ፡ ተዛሪባ ተስምዕ።”
By David Yeh
The Tigrinya phrase “ኤርትራዊት ጓል ኣንስተይቲ ሰሪሓ ተድምዕ፡ ተዛሪባ ተስምዕ።” expresses a powerful message about the strength, dignity, and voice of Eritrean women. Rooted in the culture of Eritrea, it highlights two essential values: hard work and meaningful speech. Together, these qualities shape the identity of the Eritrean woman as both respected and heard.
Strength Through Hard Work
Throughout Eritrea’s history, women have played a vital role in family, community, and national development. From rural villages to urban centers, Eritrean women are known for their resilience and dedication. They farm the land, manage households, pursue education, lead businesses, serve in the military, and serve in public life.
The phrase “ሰሪሓ ተድምዕ” (“Works hard and is efficient”) reflects the belief that respect is earned through effort and responsibility. An Eritrean woman’s hard work whether in raising children, contributing to the economy, or serving her country builds honor not only for herself but for her entire community.
During the struggle for independence, women stood alongside men, proving that courage and determination know no gender. Their sacrifices strengthened the foundation of the nation and demonstrated that respect comes through action.
The Power of Her Voice
The second part, “ተዘሪባ ተሰምዕ” (“She speaks and persuades”), emphasizes the importance of voice and wisdom. An Eritrean woman is not only hardworking; she is thoughtful, articulate, and influential. Her words guide families, lead people, resolve conflicts, and inspire future generations.
To be heard does not simply mean to speak loudly, it means to speak with clarity, confidence, and purpose. When Eritrean women express their ideas in classrooms, workplaces, or leadership roles, they contribute to social progress and national growth.
In traditional gatherings and modern institutions alike, the wisdom of women shapes decisions and strengthens unity.
A Model for the Future
This phrase is more than a proverb; it is a call to empowerment. It encourages Eritrean girls and women to pursue education, develop skills, and trust in their voices. It reminds society to value women not only for their labor but also for their insight and leadership.
An Eritrean woman who works diligently earns respect. An Eritrean woman who speaks wisely earns attention. When both qualities unite, she becomes a force for positive change.
“Works hard and is efficient; speaks and persuades.”
The message celebrates the enduring spirit of the Eritrean woman—strong in action, powerful in voice, and essential to the nation’s future.
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