Belaynesh Engidawork

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Belaynesh Engidawork

Director of Youth Development, ETHIOPIA Ethiopia
Headshot-style photo of IYF team member.

Belaynesh Engidawork is the Director of Youth Development in IYF's Ethiopia office, working for the Integrated Youth Activity (IYA) program. Before that, Belaynesh led the Women and Youth Project at Mercy Corps and PCI on women empowerment initiatives. She is a development specialist with over 15 years of diversified experience mainly working with youth, women, and children. She has managed multiple projects and has rich experience leading projects related to livelihood development, youth employment, behavior change intervention, gender mainstreaming, and private-sector engagement. Belaynesh has worked closely with and strengthened the capacity of local implementing partners, governed partners, and higher education institutions. Her research related to gender and youth has given her the chance to see the different social dynamics, cultures, and attitudes toward youth and women and their involvement in decision-making and community participation. She has also been involved with research and studies on women's empowerment, collaborating with research centers and universities including the International Centre for Research on Women (ICRW), the University of Notre Dame, and the University of IOWA. Belaynesh holds a master’s degree in social work (MSW).