On International Women’s Day, March 8, 2020, we announced the creation of the Slaight Livelihood & Gender Equality Fund, to give women and girls in Ethiopia access to economic opportunity, keep girls in school and prevent forced migration. 

Since March 2020, Ethiopia and the world have been shaken by multiple crises that have created numerous new challenges for girls and women living in the areas we work in. Despite this, the first cohort of 177 female entrepreneurs have all enthusiastically participated in the initial training, have received their seed money, and have already started new businesses. 

Here’s some of their progress so far. 

Neima now has the tools for her business to succeed 

Neima is ready to succeed in her business.

Neima, 25, is a wife and mother of two small children. She is one of the 177 women who received training and seed capital. She says that she had tried to run an onion business in the past, but the lack of capital and her limited knowledge and skills meant she was unsuccessful. She says she was nominated by her community members to take part in the project and did not hesitate to take the chance. 

“I learned about business plan preparation, financial management, saving, time management, and profit, having a vision and goal. Now I am benefiting from the training and the start-up capital.” 

Neima says she developed a simple, but successful plan for a poultry business. Even though she is only just getting started, she says it has already made a difference for her children.  

“My children get eggs and chicken to eat regularly, and they can have school materials and uniforms.” 

She hasn’t forgotten her first idea – onion trading. Now that she has the skills to build a successful business, she plans to add onion trading to her activities in the future. It’s all part of her long-term plan. 

This transformational change for women, girls and children is only just getting started. Here's what to expect by the end of the project:

• The Slaight Livelihood & Gender Equality Fund will reach over 100,000 community members in the Amhara region of Ethiopia
• 5,000 community members of all ages, genders and sectors will complete training in women and children’s rights and prevention of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
• 400 female entrepreneurs will receive training on business start-ups, assets, and education on sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR).
• Police, legal counsellors and healthcare providers will refresh their training on the existing regional family code, women’s rights, harmful traditional practices and handling abuse cases.
• Women and girls will have access to savings and loan systems so that they have assets, savings, access to financial services and a mentoring network when they graduate.

Strong community partnership is key to community-led change. We thank the Slaight Family Foundation, our partners African Agribusiness Incubation Network and CHADET in Ethiopia, as well as our family of dedicated donors, for their continued partnership to create a world where children thrive. THANK YOU ALL!