International Women's Day 2025: Meet Wubedel Asfaw
For International Women's Day 2025 we spoke with Wubedel Asfaw, a recipient of the Mansion House Scholarship Scheme (MHSS) - which supports the education of the next generation of finance and professional leaders from around the world - about her career in Ethiopia’s financial sector, what she learned from the MHSS, her drive to increase opportunities for women in professional services, and to create a more equitable financial ecosystem.
The Goldsmiths’ Foundation has proudly supported the Mansion House Scholarship Scheme for more than two decades.
1. Tell us about the work you have done on women's issues in Ethiopia and how this led you to the Mansion House Scholarship Scheme?
My commitment to women's empowerment in Ethiopia began during my university years, where I led initiatives through various social clubs to support underprivileged female students with essential academic and personal supplies. This early experience showed me how practical support could remove everyday barriers to women's education and professional development. As my career progressed, I consistently sought opportunities to advance gender equality.
Having worked for one of the top-tier law firms in Ethiopia for the last five years, one of my current passion projects is with the Vance Center-backed Women in the Profession (WIP) Ethiopia Chapter. Based in the US, the Vance Center works globally to advance justice by engaging lawyers to support civil society and promote gender equality in the legal profession. From the Ethiopia Chapter's inception, I have been instrumental in developing its brand identity, strategic planning, and managing relationships with partner organisations. Through this platform, I have led and supported various networking events, creating a much-needed professional support network for women in Ethiopia's legal community. This initiative is particularly important as it creates a structured network for women lawyers in Ethiopia to access mentorship, professional development resources, and leadership opportunities previously unavailable to them.
This work is especially relevant now as Ethiopia opens its crucial sectors to foreign investment, revealing a significant gap in local specialised talent, especially among women. Within this shifting investment climate, I recognised how the intersection between the legal profession and financial services creates a unique opportunity. Empowering women lawyers, business analysts like myself and other women finance professionals strengthens contributions in shaping a financial ecosystem that works for everyone.
These insights formed the foundation of my Chevening Scholarship application, complemented by support from the Mansion House Scholarship Scheme for my studies in Fintech with Business Analytics at the University of Westminster. This Scheme has made it possible for me to gain specialised knowledge equipping me to create a more equitable financial ecosystem.
2. What did you like/find challenging about the scheme?
What I have treasured most about the Scheme has been the people-centred experience it offers. Being part of a cohort of scholars created a sense of belongingness during my time in the UK. The exceptional mentorship I have received guided me through both academic challenges and professional development opportunities. I have been deeply moved by the warmth, welcoming nature and genuine helpfulness of everyone I have met, resulting in meaningful connections that extend beyond geographical and cultural boundaries, for which I am sincerely grateful. And contrary to many visitors, I actually enjoyed the British weather!
The challenges have been significant but rewarding. The learning curve of my programme required considerable adjustment, especially coming from a non-technical background. Being away from home also presented its own difficulties. Now that I have returned to Ethiopia, perhaps the most meaningful challenge lies ahead, applying my knowledge in practical settings. I look forward to implementing global best practices in economic empowerment by bridging technology and finance in the Ethiopian context.
3. What was the most surprising thing you have learnt?
The most surprising thing I have learnt during my scholarship experience is the importance of tradition in building sustainable financial sectors. Before coming to the UK, I viewed traditions primarily as cultural artefacts, meaningful but perhaps less relevant in our fast-paced modern world. What astonished me was discovering how the City of London's centuries-old traditions aren't merely ceremonial but serve as vital foundations for institutional credibility, professionalism, and long-term thinking.
Witnessing the livery companies and their customs, I was struck by how these long-established traditions create a powerful sense of stewardship and collective purpose. They are living practices that instil values of accountability and community service that transcend immediate gains. In Ethiopia, as the country modernises its financial sector, this insight has informed my understanding of how tradition and innovation can work together rather than in opposition. The City of London embodies how traditions can evolve while preserving core values, creating stability amid constant change.
4. What career path do you hope to embark on?
After years in various roles across business development, project management, and client relationship management, I am now focusing specifically on business analytics within the financial sector. Currently, I am working part-time as a Strategic Business Analyst for a top-tier law firm in the banking and financial services sector, analysing market trends and opportunities in Ethiopia's financial services sector and providing insights that strengthen the firm's financial services advisory practice. Moving forward, I plan to pursue analytics and strategy roles where I can apply data-driven approaches to advance financial inclusion and innovation. I am interested in creating broader access to financial services whilst continuing my involvement with women's professional development initiatives.
In the long term, I want to advance into strategic leadership positions where data drives decision-making in financial services and contribute to policy development that creates more equitable financial frameworks. In essence, I want to be right in the middle of Ethiopia's digital financial transformation, applying everything I have learnt through this Scheme to create meaningful impact where it matters most.
5. Do you have advice for any other young women looking to enter this profession?
My career trajectory was never linear, but each role taught me valuable skills. From cross-cultural communication to developing and delivering effective strategies, these experiences now give me an edge in the field of business analytics. My advice for young women would be to never underestimate the value of diverse experiences! I would also advise them to continuously invest in their technical skills. Technology evolves rapidly, and staying current is essential. This might become overwhelming at times, so I would suggest finding mentors and building networks intentionally. In addition, apply for academic and professional development opportunities, even if they seem competitive. I was fortunate to receive both the Chevening and Mansion House scholarships, which enhanced my educational path and expanded my professional prospects in ways I could not have imagined.
Finally, be resilient in the face of challenges. Transitioning into a technical field like FinTech and business analytics often demands mastering unfamiliar concepts and tools, but persistence pays off. Your perseverance and habits will ultimately determine your success.