Baidoa 17 February 2026 – Sergeant Agernesh Ejargew is an ambulance driver, serving with the Ethiopian contingent under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
Stationed at AUSSOM Level 2 hospital in Baidoa as a first responder, her role is both demanding and critical. Each time she gets behind the wheel, she carries more than patients – she carries urgency, reassurance, and the comforting promise that help is on the way.
“I transport patients to and from the hospital, ensuring they receive timely medical care. This includes picking up Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from checkpoints for treatment and safely returning them afterward. I also provide transport for AUSSOM personnel, United Nations staff, and members of the Somali Security Forces who need treatment at the facility,” Sgt Agernesh says.
Sergeant Agernesh is among a small number of female military officers serving with the Ethiopia National Defence Forces (ENDF) troops deployed in Baidoa, South West State.
In Somalia’s challenging mission environment, she puts on her uniform each day with the sole mission of saving lives. Her passion and dedication are evident in the commitment she brings to her work.
Sgt Agernesh’s workdays start early and often extend into long hours, sometimes lasting a full 24-hour shift, seen behind the wheel moving in and out of the facility to respond swiftly whenever duty calls.
She has devoted 11 years to the Ethiopian military, including a two-year deployment to the African Union Mission in Somalia.
“My greatest motivation here in Somalia is contributing to peace and stability. Knowing that my work helps save lives and supports the mission gives me a deep sense of pride and fulfillment. Being part of a peacekeeping effort is both an honor and a responsibility that I carry with dedication,” Sgt Agernesh adds.
For her, the decision to join the military was inspired by a childhood dream. As a young girl, she was captivated by the uniform and the discipline it symbolised. When the time came, she enlisted with determination, eager to demonstrate that women are equally capable of meeting the challenges and responsibilities of military service.
“As a young girl, I always admired the military. I dreamed of the day I would join and stand alongside my male counterparts to protect and serve our nation,” Sgt Agernesh says.
Her extensive experience has only deepened that belief. “Serving here has strengthened my belief that women can match men in skill, expertise, and professionalism-especially in a demanding military environment. Gender does not determine capability. What matters is commitment, training, and determination,” Sgt Agernesh affirms.
International Women’s Day carries significant importance for her. It goes beyond being a mere symbolic event; it signifies advancement.
“International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder that women are equal to men in every aspect of life. It is a day to celebrate the achievements of women and the progress we have made in breaking traditional stereotypes. It honors the milestones women have reached and encourages us to keep striving for greater equality and opportunity,” Sgt Agernesh adds.
Her message to young women is heartfelt and clear – the military is a noble profession, and it has no gender. Sgt Agernesh encourages women to step forward boldly, embrace the challenge, and trust their abilities.