Image: Women’s co-op learning to count money.
What
Project Title: Improve Economic Empowerment & Stability of Disadvantaged Women in SW Ethiopia, Hamer Woreda
This project addresses the inequality of pastoral women, providing a pathway for them to creatively contribute to the economic growth of their community and giving them a voice in their community’s decision-making.
Who
The beneficiaries of WS-15 are 5,850 pastoralists in the Hamar woreda1 living in Wonga Bayno kebele2 and in Doria & Wassemu villages in Minogelti kebele.
Why
As conditions deteriorate in the pastoralist regions, the impact on women is enormous. They carry water for hours every day, grind grain by hand for meals, walk two days for food and supplies, and all while caring for their children. Even though this heavy burden falls on them, the women traditionally do not have a voice in family or community decisions.
How
The women participating in this project will:
- Learn basic literacy and numeracy skills to perform simple calculations and record keeping
- Participate in new income generating activities over the next five years.
- Learn the basics of chicken husbandry and how to use chickens and eggs as a means to improve their diets.
- Create a self-sufficient, women’s cooperative to support their ability to earn income and benefit their community.
GTLI has earned the trust of the tribal people and the local governments in Ethiopia by implementing projects communities embrace and staying engaged to ensure success. GTLI works closely with the local government offices and workers to support and sustain the community’s efforts.
Impact
Empowering women is one of the most effective and sustainable methods to build the resiliency of an indigenous community. When the women are healthier and have more time and energy, and when they and their families are healthier, the women have repeatedly shown they reinvest in their community to ensure the survival of their tribe.
Metrics
| # women gaining basic literacy and numeracy skills |
| # women gain productive time thru use of functioning grinding mill |
| # women gain entrepreneurial technical skills |
