“When I lost both my beloved father and mother during my formative teenage years, our humble abode was stripped of sustenance. We were left with nothing, for they had no possessions to bequeath. As the eldest among my siblings, I shouldered the dual role of sister and parent. Yet, in the face of adversity, I discovered strength in caring for my siblings and embracing the responsibilities that came with it,” reveals Fetiyah Mohammed, the renowned international model.
Fetiyah attributes this wellspring of strength to the “benevolent souls” residing in her neighborhood, who enveloped them with unwavering support. She says the people became their guardians ensuring their education and daily necessities were met.
“Our newfound guardians even upheld the Idir that our parents were a part of before their passing. Can you imagine? They maintained it by paying on our behalf. At the time, we had no idea what that Idir meant,” she said.
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Fetiyah firmly believes that the altruistic gestures extended by these compassionate souls illuminated their path and imparted profound lessons on the power of community and solidarity.
The “compassionate souls ”Fetiyah alludes to are the esteemed denizens of Dire Dawa, an Ethiopian city revered for its harmonious coexistence.
Born and raised amidst its vibrant tapestry, Fetiyah shares a deep-seated affection for her hometown, a sentiment shared by many who call Dire Dawa their birthplace.
Nurtured by the unwavering love and support of those compassionate souls, young Fetiyah emerged as an exceptional individual, dedicating her life to various pursuits, including journalism.
It is in the vibrant city of Dire Dawa that,Fetiyah, alongside a group of like-minded friends, established the first Amateur Journalist Association—a testament to her passion for journalism. Recognizing the immense power of media in shaping narratives and influencing public opinion, she developed a profound interest in reporting and storytelling.
Driven by this newfound passion, Fetiyah embarked on a journey to explore further opportunities in the field. Eventually, she relocated to Addis Ababa, where she immersed herself in a youth radio program while pursuing journalism studies at Unity University. It was during this time that she gained invaluable experience and honed her journalistic skills.
Although Fetiyah’s career trajectory eventually led her to the realm of advertising, specifically television advertising, her striking physical features did not go unnoticed.
Fate intervened when Zemi Yunus, the owner of a modeling agency and the fashion magazine Niya, approached her.
Intrigued by the prospect of modeling, Fetiyah embraced this new opportunity, becoming a trailblazer in Ethiopia’s fashion industry.
Her modeling journey took her to prestigious international competitions, where she proudly represented Ethiopia, shattering societal expectations along the way. Miss Universe Ethiopia, Miss International, and Miss World University were among the beauty pageants in which she participated, earning various titles.
Reflecting on her modeling career, Fetiyah expressed, “Modeling allowed me to unleash my artistic side and challenge societal norms. It became a platform to inspire women to fearlessly pursue their dreams.”
Even after embracing the joys of motherhood and welcoming two sons in 2018, Fetiyah continued to thrive in her career. She ventured into the Mrs. Tourism Queen International 2018 competition held in Malaysia, where she clinched the coveted title of Mrs. Tourism of Africa. Undeterred, she continued her journey as model.
Today, Fetiyah is a proud mother of three sons, balancing the demands of motherhood with her flourishing professional endeavors.
“We often fall into the misconception that motherhood diminishes our beauty compared to our pre-motherhood selves. However, the truth is that motherhood bestows even more grace upon us. It naturally imparts a certain wisdom;you appear even more beautiful,” Fetiyah proudly shares, drawing from her own practical experience.
In 2019, Fetiyah was met with a shocking revelation about her cherished hometown – Dire Dawa. A place often referred to as the “city of love” was facing an unprecedented and “totally uncommon” situation. Dire Dawa had suddenly become a conflict zone, challenging its long-held reputation. Doubts arose, questioning whether the city truly deserved its esteemed title.
Concerned and deeply affected, Fetiyah closely examined the situation at hand.
“In the wake of the joyous moments that followed Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s (PhD) rise to power and his initial reforms, Dire Dawa found itself in crisis. Despite the severity of the conflict that unfolded in 2019, it seemed to have been overlooked by the media,” she recalls, reflecting on the lack of media coverage.
This, she says, deeply troubled her.
“It was truly perplexing for those who heard about it because DireDawa has been exalted in countless literary works of art and various other forms as a bastion of solidarity,” Fetiyah noted.
For her, the city transcends the notion of a mere hometown—it is akin to a family. The love and support bestowed upon her and her siblings by those “compassionate souls” remain an enduring source of strength even in her adulthood.
Motivated by her desire to take action and contribute to reversing the situation, Fetiyah drew inspiration from a traditional conflict resolution practice that involved elders gathering under the shade of a tree to engage in thorough discussions.
She envisioned transforming this indigenous tradition into a platform for sharing experiences and fostering peace, giving birth to her initiative called ‘Mukajala,’ meaning ‘under the shade of a tree.’
With the support and participation of influential figures like renowned Oromifa singer Ali Birra and human rights advocate Yetnebersh Niguessie, among others, Fetiyah launched the ‘Mukajala’ project to establish a committee of representatives who would mediate and resolve disputes through open dialogue and understanding, rather than resorting to legal action.
“Mukajala is not solely about conflict resolution but creating a space for dialogue, understanding, and ultimately, peace,” Fetiyah emphasized.
Fueled by her vision to revive Dire Dawa’s narrative as a land of peace, countering the rising conflicts and divisions in the region, Fetiyah’s dedication and passion for the project garnered attention. Even the former mayor of Dire Dawa, Ahmed Buh, utilized the ‘Mukajala’ platform to promote peace.
“I had the privilege of partnering with Ali Birra on a purposeful endeavor, taking ‘Mukajala’ to various places like Hargessa, Jigjiga, and even Somaliland until it was interrupted by the outbreak of the war in Tigray,” she shared.
Initially organized as a one-time event, the program gained recognition and was eventually adopted as a government project by the Oromia and Somalia regional states, with live television broadcasts. They implemented it using their own methods, although it was not exactly ‘Mukajala,’ as Fetiyah explained.
She believes ‘Mukajala’ holds the potential to evolve into an institution, expanding its impact and influence in promoting peace and resolving conflicts. Her ultimate goal is to establish it as a foundation, ensuring the sustainability and continuity of the project.
“I hold onto hope for a brighter future when I can revive the spirit of ‘Mukajala’ and witness its meaningful impact on communities once again,” Fetiyah expressed optimistically.
Recalling her childhood in DireDawa and the affectionate solidarity she experienced during challenging times, Fetiyah feels deeply indebted to the culture of harmony that shaped her upbringing.
