As Ethiopia slowly emerges from a devastating civil war, an unexpected revolution is taking shape on the streets of Addis Ababa, where a group of young women gathers at the city's only skatepark, transforming it into a space of freedom and solidarity. In a society where gender inequalities are engrained and have been deepened by war, the skateboard
has becomes a tool for self-determination and a source of identity.
One of the leading groups is the Addis Girls Skaters group, a collective that challenges social norms by providing girls with a safe environment to express themselves freely. These women plays a key role in Ethiopia’s evolving skate scene. Closely involved with Ethiopia Skate, a non-profit supporting skateboarders across the country, Addis Girls
Skateboarding is actively shaping a new narrative of inclusion and empowerment. Every Saturday morning, the Addis skatepark is reserved for the girls, giving them a safe space to learn, practice, and build a supportive community. In Ethiopia, girls, even in the capital, face gendered expectations at home, with those from less privileged backgrounds experiencing even harsher pressures. Beyond the home, deeply rooted patriarchal norms contribute to systemic isolation, discouraging women from engaging in public life or pursuing non-traditional careers, resulting in a sense of invisibility and exclusion. While some of the girls have progressed to perform tricks and even participate in competitions, the real focus is on building strong bonds, a true sisterhood that goes beyond skateboarding, weaving a tight-knit community that is transforming their lives.The skatepark has become their second home, and the girls, one another’s chosen family.
But the revolution isn’t just for the younger generation. Burtekan, 43 and mom of two, is one of the women who has decided to defy prejudice by stepping onto a skateboard alongside teenagers. In a society where age and gender often define one's path, her example proves that it is never too late to rewrite your own destiny.
Skateboarding has grown exponentially in Ethiopia. The country's first skatepark was built in 2016 in Addis Ababa followed by others in Hawassa, and Konso, a rural village where the movement is beginning to take root, though female participation remains limited. Beyond sport, these spaces represent an opportunity for social change and sisterhood, giving women the chance to redefine their role in society.

Makdelina surrounded by the other members of crew

Shurrube the only female skater in Hawassa performs an ollie at the city s central fish market drawing curious looks from the crowd For many it s their first time seeing a skateboard still rare in Ethiopia especially outside Addis Ababa

A portrait of Mirhet Shneto a skater from Addis in the overcrowded streets of Merkato the largest market in Africa

Delina is performing an ollie in Piassa Addis Abeba

Some of the members of the AddisGirlSkate crew on one of the roofs of the largest market in Africa

Zion Makdelina and Lia while sharing moments of daily friendship in Makdelina s house

Makdelina and Lia while sharing moments of daily friendship in Makdelina s house

Bombing together Entoto Mount is one of the best moments of skateboarding for many members of the group They feel free and courageous br The wind in their hair the sound of the wheels on the asphalt and the forest they catch glimpses of speeding by at high speed out of the corner of their eyes

Arbaminch skaters traveled to Konso for the first time to practice skateboarding at the skatepark of the village

Kalkidan and her skateboard

Shurrube the only female skater form Hawassa is performing a flyout from Hawassa Park

A portrait of Kalkidan in the landscape of the Omo Valley