Yetnebersh Nigussie
ESAT News (September 26, 2017)
An Ethiopian, Yetnebersh Nigussie, has become one of the laureates of this year’s Right Livelihood Award, widely known as the ‘Alternative Nobel Prize.’
Yetnebersh Nigussie is recognised by the Jury “for her inspiring work promoting the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities, allowing them to realise their full potential and changing mindsets in our societies,” according to a press release by the Right Livelihood Award.
The jury for the Right Livelihood Award made the announcement today in Stockholm, Sweden.
Born on January 24, 1982 in northern Ethiopia, Yetnebersh Nigussie lost her eyesight at the age of 5. She however believes the loss of her sight helped her escape from the early marriage widely practiced during her tender ages in rural Ethiopia.
“It is an absolute honour to receive the prestigious Right Livelihood Award. The recognition provides welcome fuel to the disability and development community’s ongoing call for inclusion and full participation of people with disabilities in all spheres of life,” she was quoted as saying following the announcement.
Yetnebersh receives about 123,000 dollars in prizes.
Yetnebersh is active in the anti-AIDS movement and works tirelessly for the rights of people with disabilities in Ethiopia.
Established in 1980, the Right Livelihood Award honours and supports courageous people and organisations offering visionary and exemplary solutions to the root causes of global problems. Today, there are 170 Laureates from 69 countries.