Princess Tsehai

Empress Menen Asfaw is seated in the centre, and standing women from left to right are Princess Tsehai, Princess Tenagnework, and Princess Zenebework, her daughters, and on the far right is Princess Wolete Israel Seyoum, her daughter-in-law.

Princess Tsehai Haile Selassie (13 October 1919 – 17 August 1942) was an Ethiopian princess and a member of the Ethiopian Imperial Family. She was the daughter of Emperor Haile Selassie and Empress Menen Asfaw, making her a prominent figure in the history of Ethiopia during the early 20th century. Her life, though short, was marked by her contributions to healthcare and her service as a nurse, reflecting her dedication to the welfare of her people.

Early Life

Princess Tsehai was born in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, into the ruling Solomonic dynasty. Her name, Tsehai, means "Sun" in Amharic, reflecting the bright promise her birth brought to the imperial family. She was educated in Ethiopia and abroad, showcasing the imperial family's commitment to modern education and internationalism.

Career and Contributions

Despite her royal status, Princess Tsehai was deeply committed to public service, particularly in the field of healthcare. She trained as a nurse, a profession that was not common among royal or noble women of her time. Her decision to pursue nursing was influenced by the Italian invasion of Ethiopia in 1935, during which she witnessed the suffering of her people. After completing her training, she worked as a nurse both in Ethiopia and abroad, providing care to soldiers and civilians alike, and advocating for better healthcare services in Ethiopia.

Personal Life and Legacy

Princess Tsehai's personal life was intertwined with her public service. She married an Ethiopian nobleman, but her life was tragically cut short when she died in childbirth in 1942, at the age of 22. Her death was a profound loss to the imperial family and the nation, highlighting the challenges of maternal healthcare in Ethiopia at the time.

Her legacy lives on through various memorials and institutions named in her honor, including healthcare facilities that aim to improve maternal health in Ethiopia. Princess Tsehai's dedication to service and her pioneering role as a nurse remain inspirational to many, particularly in the context of Ethiopia's ongoing efforts to improve healthcare and empower women.

Death and Memorial

Princess Tsehai died on 17 August 1942, after complications from childbirth. Her death underscored the critical need for advancements in maternal healthcare in Ethiopia, a cause to which she had dedicated her life. In her memory, several healthcare institutions have been established, serving as a lasting tribute to her contributions to the field.

See Also

• Haile Selassie
• Empress Menen Asfaw
• Solomonic dynasty
• History of Ethiopia