2024 CHRISTMAS PROJECT UPDATE | Empowering Women. Uplifting Co unities.

Helping women build sustainable livelihoods

In Ethiopia, economic hardship and social barriers have limited opportunities for women to achieve financial independence. Many women lack access to education, vocational training, and economic resources, making it difficult for them to support their families. In response, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries is working alongside local faith communities to implement a Women’s Economic Empowerment Initiative, equipping women with skills, resources, and opportunities to transform their lives.

With your help, women are gaining financial literacy and have begun opening bank accounts, increasing their ability to save and manage resources effectively. Vocational training programs in beauty therapy and beekeeping are equipping women with marketable skills to generate income and sustain their families. Through faith-based community engagement, women are experiencing encouragement and support as they navigate their personal and professional growth.

As the women in this group learn and develop their businesses, their friendships and support for one another continue to grow as well.

A Story of Transformation: Amara’s Journey

85 women have completed vocational skills training in the last year and a half.

At least 77 women have been able to save 10% of their profits from their new businesses.

Literacy and numeracy classes have been completed by 100 women.

Small groups that focus on social, emotional, and spiritual well-being are supporting 80 women.

Amara*, a 20-year-old mother, never had the opportunity to attend school. She believed she had no ability to learn and that women were expected to rely on their husbands for financial support. When she first heard about the women’s empowerment project, she was skeptical, assuming it was simply a place to receive aid.

However, after meeting the project leader, Amara was encouraged to join. She learned how to read and write, developed cosmetology skills, and gained the confidence to start her own mobile salon. Today, Amara earns an income by providing henna and beauty services in her community. She has even opened a bank account and is saving for her family’s future.

“I never imagined I could do this,” Amara shared. “Now I dream of building a house for my children and sending them to school.”

*Names changed