International Women’s Day 2026: Milky Mamo’s Answer for Mothers and Unemployed Women

On International Women’s Day 2026, under the theme “Give to Gain,” there is perhaps no better example of this spirit than Milky Mamo—a woman who stepped away from an established career to pursue a vision that is now transforming the lives of thousands of Ethiopian families.

Born and raised in Addis Ababa, Milky was the eldest of three sisters. Her father, a navy officer who spoke six languages, instilled in her a deep appreciation for learning. He was especially proud when Milky was admitted to Addis Ababa University to study Ethiopian Language and Literature.

After completing her education, Milky began her career in the classroom, teaching for a few years. However, her ambition pushed her to explore the broader professional landscape before settling into her final role prior to motherhood. While working for an international NGO, she returned to school and earned a Master’s degree in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), further strengthening her path as a professional educator and communicator.

In 2009, a new chapter began. Following her marriage and the birth of her first daughter, the polished world of professional life collided with the raw reality of motherhood. Milky faced a dilemma that resonates with millions: the agonizing search for professional childcare.

"I found myself in a city where reliable, trained childcare was talked about but hard to find," she recalls. "I was willing to pay my entire salary to find a trustworthy, professional nanny, but I simply couldn't find one."

The impact was immediate. Her performance at work faltered as her heart remained at home. Despite her Master’s degree and promising career trajectory, Milky made a choice that many questioned: she stepped away from the workforce.

For six years, Milky was a full-time mother. As two more children followed, she experienced the quiet but profound realities of the domestic sphere. It was during these years that she developed her core philosophy: “When a woman smiles, her home smiles. When she is unhappy, the ripple effect affects everyone.”

Transitioning from a high-achieving professional to a stay-at-home mother is rarely easy. Throughout this transformative period, Milky often reflects on the unwavering support of her husband. From the moment she stepped away from her career to focus on her family to the day she began building her vision for a nanny training center, he stood beside her with encouragement and belief. His support gave her the confidence to pursue her dream, and Milky remains deeply grateful to have such a committed life partner walking this journey with her.

In 2021, determined to turn her personal struggle into a social solution, Milky officially launched the Efoy Nanny and Housekeeping Training Center. She chose the name Efoy an Amharic word that expresses a deep sigh of relief to represent what she wanted to give Ethiopian mothers: peace of mind and reliable childcare support.

To ensure her vision was sustainable, she partnered with the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI), enrolling in the Entrepreneurship Training Workshop (ETW). Through Business Development Services (BDS), she refined her model, ensuring it was a sustainable social enterprise rather than just a short-term project.

Today, Milky Mamo is one of the pioneers of the sector. Her children have watched their mother build an “empire of empathy.” In 2025, she expanded her reach by opening a second Efoy branch in the busy Megenagna area. The number of graduates has now reached over 4,400, including three men—breaking gender barriers in domestic work.

Her impact was formally recognized on November 27, 2025, during Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), where the EDI honored her as the Promising Social Entrepreneur of the Year in Addis Ababa.

Milky Mamo’s story is proof that the greatest innovations often spring from personal struggle. By helping women return to work and providing others with dignified employment, she is doing more than building a business; she is nurturing a healthier, more creative, and financially independent generation.

Happy International Women’s Day!