The foundation of Obboleettii Oromo Women’s Network began in 2015, inspired by a need to connect and uplift Oromo women within a supportive community. Its founder, Hawi, an immigrant and first-generation college student, found solace in the guidance of her early mentors. While they provided invaluable support, Hawi longed for mentorship rooted in the Oromo community—particularly as she navigated a culturally challenging career path.
Hawi observed the lack of encouragement and resources available to Oromo women pursuing higher education, which fueled her vision to create a network that empowers women to reach their fullest potential. With the support of other like-minded Oromo women, Obboleettii was launched to connect, encourage, and inspire women globally.
In 2016, Obboleettii introduced its initiative through an online platform. The following year, it established a core team and launched the Mentorship Program, matching young Oromo women with mentors to support their educational and professional journeys. By 2018, Obboleettii had evolved into a comprehensive women’s network committed to education, advocacy, and cultural awareness.
Like many organizations, Obboleettii faced significant challenges in 2021 due to life changes and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This required a temporary pause in operations. Despite the break, the mission of Obboleettii remained steadfast, and efforts to rebuild and strengthen its community continue to this day.
Obboleettii OWN envisions a sustainable organization where Oromo women of all ages can turn for support in education and career advancement. Obboleettii continues to champion the importance of education, sisterhood, and empowerment, fostering a legacy of leadership and resilience for generations to come.
