Ms. Senait Seyoum was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on January 7, 1954. She pursued her primary, and part of her secondary education, at the Empress Menen Girls School in Addis Ababa. In November 1969, Senait moved to Lund, Sweden, to complete her high school education at Spyken School. Senait then joined Lund University, from which she obtained her undergraduate degree in economics and her graduate degree in management. After her graduation, she first worked in the private sector and later joined Lund University as Financial Controller.

Senait’s commitment to community service spanned her entire life. As a young woman, Senait was actively involved in the European branch of the Ethiopian Student Movement. Senait strongly believed that civilized dialogue is key to solving social problems, and therefore worked for over a decade to bring together intellectuals from the Horn of Africa through the Lund Horn of Africa Forum. From there, they held discussions regarding the role of women in good governance, peace and development, conflict and security, and stability and sustainable development in the region. Senait had a daughter, Salome, who blessed her with two grandchildren.

Senait’s last trip to her homeland was in January 2022, where she engaged in charitable work among the displaced. After returning to her country of residence, Senait passed away on October 5th, 2022 following a brief illness. She was laid to rest in Lund, her home of 53 years, on the 21st of October, 2022. May her soul rest in peace.