Ghenet Beyene, the last child in her family of 15 siblings, was born in 1956 in Mendefera. She joined the Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF) in 1974 as a member of the clandestine movement. In 1977 she was arrested and put in Alem Bekagn, a maximum security prison in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where she languished for nine years. She continued her struggle after she fled the country and went first to Kenya and then to Canada. She came back from Canada in 1990 to join the EPLF in the Eritrean fields. Following independence, she has served in different capacitates, including as a chairwoman of the Nairobi National Union of Eritrean Women. After all the ups and downs she faced she got married in 1992 and is now a mother of two. She studied Travel and Tourism at Ayata University. She is now living in Canada with her family. Her book on her journey in life, “Ita Zeythlel” (the Tenacious), was launched on February 16.
I wish you a happy Women’s Day and congratulate you on the publication of your first book “Ita Zeythlel.”
I’ve heard it took several years and people to convince you to write about your journey. Why was that?
Honestly speaking, my journey in the history of the Eritrean people is no different from that of the others. I did what was expected of me at what I thought was the right time. After watching and reading books on all the Eritrean heroic events and stories, I couldn’t find myself in them. And I always refused whenever people asked me to write my story. But when Ghirmay Weldegiorgis (menkenino), the writer of my book, made efforts to convince me and said that my story is the people’s story, not mine, I couldn’t ignore that.
When the book came into its final stage and you read it, how did you feel?
To be frank, I was surprised! I didn’t expect that it would be that great. I loved it! It wouldn’t have come to an end without the endless motivation of Ms. Askalu Menkorios, Minister of Tourism and Menkenino. I thank Menkenino for all his efforts and his writing. I salute him for that.
How do you think can patriotism be cultivated?
I believe that ignorance is the root of perdition. I am sure that Eritrean patriotism is installed within everyone’s genes. But, on top of that what is more cardinal is growing what you have with education, starting from the very beginning. It could be by reading books or asking well-informed people. I believe that teaching kids starting from preschool would play a crucial role.
As mentioned in your book you used to come to Eritrea to give birth to your children. Why?
My country is very precious to me, and I want it to be the same for my kids. We have a tradition in the Tigrigna ethnic group that you are from wherever your itibti, umbilical cord is buried. When I was due to give birth to my first child, Samuel, in 1998, I came to my country and delivered.
What was the book launching ceremony like?
It was amazing! I didn’t expect that many people would show up. On top of that, for me the word “tegadalit” (freedom fighter) is a venerable title and I have never considered myself as one. Hearing all the event organizers and participants address me using that title was a moment of confirmation.
What excited me most was having my book launched on the same day the 35th anniversary of the liberation of Massawa was celebrated.
How would you define Eritrean women?
They are prestigious pearls found nowhere but in Eritrea. Eritrean women are principled, authoritative, and committed. They never stopped giving all they had, including their lives, during the armed struggle, on the battlefield and off the field. And they still are doing it by giving their children for their country’s protection. I don’t even have words to define them; they are unbelievable.
In life, what satisfies you most?
This country is not an easily obtainable one. All our principles, systems, and everything that it has is founded by those who have sacrificed their lives for its prosperity and those who are still fighting to take their objective to its final destination. And what makes you happy is watching the new generation inherit the courage. My book’s title is one of our people’s definitions; they are truly tenacious and that’s where I got the idea for the title from. Being part of the Eritrean people is what satisfies me most. Being an Eritrean is my pride!
Who is the kid on the cover of your book?
It is my beautiful grandson, Hiyab, Samuel’s son. He is eight years old now, very patriotic. Though he has never been here, he always says “When I grow up, I will sing for my country.”
Any final thoughts …
All Eritrean people living abroad and within the country should realize that every strike we face as a nation brings us closer to the next home run. Therefore, rather than living by looking at what we miss or lack, let’s focus on making what we already have worthwhile.
And I would love to encourage the young generation to know their foundation, hold fast to it and stay strong in all circumstances.
At last, I want to express my gratitude to all the people who have contributed in making this project come to an end.
Thank you and happy Women’s Day once again.