Photo Credit: Chantal Pinzi/Panos Pictures
By Maryjane Austine
Ethiopian Girls Break Barriers and Find Freedom Through Skateboarding
Ethiopia – In Addis Ababa, a growing number of young women are challenging long-held social norms by taking up skateboarding, using the sport as a way to express themselves and occupy spaces where women are rarely seen.
Seventeen-year-old Edomawit Ashebir, one of the skaters, said she often faces insults when she practises in public but refuses to be discouraged. She explained that skating helps her forget life’s pressures and gives her a sense of peace and freedom.
Edomawit belongs to Addis Girls Skate, an all-female skateboarding group that offers young women in Ethiopia a chance to connect, gain confidence, and express their individuality. The members meet every week at one of the country’s few skate parks, where they try new moves and support one another in an environment free from criticism.
Co-founder Makdelina Desta said skateboarding allows her to break away from daily expectations and simply be herself. She added that within the group, everyone shares the same passion and encouragement, which helps them feel united and confident.
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Documentary photographer Chantal Pinzi, who has followed their story, said the group represents a new generation of Ethiopian women finding their voice in a society still shaped by traditional gender roles. According to her, these skaters are redefining what the future looks like for young women in the country.
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Through their boards and shared determination, the Addis Girls Skate members are not just riding for fun, they are standing for self-expression, equality, and a renewed sense of freedom for women in Ethiopia.
