
Protect Lella's Brave Activism
Donation protected
My name is meg ferrigno, Ph.D., a nonprofit and startup founder, and I am reaching out on behalf of my dear sister and friend, Lella Misikir, who urgently needs your support. Lella and I met in 2016 in China, bonding over yoga, meditation, and vegan food. Over the years, she has welcomed me to her beautiful homeland of Ethiopia, guided me through its vibrant culture, and we have joined forces with me to champion humanitarian causes.
Since GoFundMe doesn’t operate in Ethiopia, I am managing this fundraiser for her, ensuring that 100% of your donations go directly to Lella.

Meet Lella
Lella is a passionate Wellness Consultant based in Addis Ababa, specializing in yoga, somatic experiencing, and life coaching. A fierce advocate for women’s rights and community wellness, Lella returned to Ethiopia in 2019 after a decade abroad, committed to empowering others. She collaborates with feminist organizations, leads team-building retreats, and produces content to inspire a freer, more equitable society. Her blog and podcast delve into living outside societal conditioning, offering a voice of hope and resilience.
Lella's Activism
Lella's activism began during the pandemic as she courageously spoke out against gender-based violence (GBV). Her groundbreaking initiatives include:
- #MyWhistleMyVoice Campaign : Empowering women to combat street harassment through the use of whistles, which sparked widespread action on college campuses and inspired an ambassador program.
- Social Media Advocacy: Creating awareness-raising filters that highlight GBV cases, reaching over 73 million views and becoming one of Ethiopia’s most impactful online campaigns.
- Setaset Power Collective: Joining forces with other activists to champion Ethiopian women’s empowerment.
The Crisis
In late 2023, Lella shared a video addressing GBV cases and encouraging women to seek safety from abuse. This sparked a targeted online attack by a TikTok influencer, who accused Lella of disrespecting cultural traditions and falsely linked her activism to LGBTQIA+ advocacy—an inflammatory and dangerous claim in Ethiopia, where LGBTQIA+ rights are highly stigmatized and criminalized.
This online hate campaign escalated into threats of violence, forcing Lella to deactivate her accounts and leave Addis Ababa for her safety. Misinformation about her continues to circulate, leaving her vulnerable and unable to sustain her vital work.
How You Can Help
Lella has been forced to relocate and faces mounting expenses for living costs, security, and mental health support. She is determined to rebuild, heal, and continue her impactful work, but she cannot do it alone.
Your support will allow Lella to:
- Cover immediate living and relocation expenses.
- Access counseling to recover from the trauma of these attacks.
- Regain the strength to continue her fight for women’s rights.
Cost Breakdown:
Flights +$800 (RT)
Rent +$900 (3 mo)
Utilities +$300 (3 mo)
Food +1,200 (3 mo)
Therapy +$1,500 (3 mo)
Digital Security/ Cloud storage +$400
Stand with Lella
Lella’s courage in standing up for what’s right has made a difference in the lives of countless women, but it has come at a significant personal cost. Together, we can show her that she is not alone and that her bravery is valued.
Any amount you can contribute will make a profound difference. If you’re unable to donate, please share this campaign with your network to help spread the word.
Thank you for standing with Lella in this critical time. Together, we can ensure she emerges stronger than ever, ready to continue her mission of creating a more just and compassionate world.
With gratitude,
meg ferrigno, Ph.D.
Fundraising team: Team lella! (2)

Margaret ferrigno
Organizer
Austin, TX
Joyce Bosmans
Team member
Lella Fresenay Misikir
Team member