Ethiopian athlete Gelete Burka has accused her husband of selling her properties without her permission and filing for divorce while she focused on her athletic career. Burka, who has dedicated over 20 years to running, says her husband’s actions have turned her life upside down.
In an interview, Gelete Burka acknowledges having given her husband legal guardianship over her assets. To her surprise, she later realised that he had sold most of her properties and started divorce proceedings without informing her.
For instance, out of 11 government-awarded properties, including houses and land, her husband sold or took 10. Gelete Burka also owned five cars, but her husband liquidated four, leaving her in financial distress.
However, Gelete Burka fears for her life. While appearing on Gemeda Show, she said that she had stayed home for a year, afraid her husband might harm her. “I am afraid he will kill me,” she said, highlighting the seriousness of her situation.
Gelete Burka has appealed to Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed to intervene and help resolve her legal and personal issues. She insists on her innocence and wants to return to athletics, but stresses that her safety must come first.
Her case has attracted international attention. The World Athletes Organisation launched #SafeGuard, a campaign to protect female athletes from domestic violence and legal abuse. Ethiopia`s neighbouring country, Kenya, has already taken steps to support female athletes facing similar challenges.
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Burka’s story exposes the urgent need for stronger legal protections and support systems for athletes facing personal crises. The Ethiopian sporting community and government officials now face pressure to act swiftly to ensure justice, safety, and dignity for athletes like Burka.
Moreover, Burka shines a light on the hidden struggles many athletes endure and calls for systemic change to protect their rights and well-being.
