Brave Female Self Help Group Member Speaks Up!
Ayelech is a member of one of our self-help groups (SHG). She and her fellow members chose to name their SHG “Edget Beandinet” which means “Growth in Unity”. Ayelech borrowed money from her SHG to start a small business. When her husband passed away three years ago, she was able to provide for her family of six, thanks to the success of her business, Recently, one of her sons graduated from university and started a job. Her involvement in an SHG and its impact is an example of the positive generational change an SHG can have. When women like Ayelech learn about business, invest in themselves and each other, the entire community benefits.
Recently, Ayelech spoke up at a community conversation about water line protection. Her powerful words moved attendants at the gathering.
“Previously we fetched water from springs very far from our home. We traveled long distances and stayed at the spring for about six hours to get the water. Because of that our children used to go to school without having breakfast. Now, thanks to WEEMA, we get clean water at our gate and we are able to feed our children and wash our clothes. So all of us should protect these waterlines and it should be the responsibility of the community.”
Ayelech’s outspoken confidence is one of the many positive outcomes of having safe spaces for women to grow as leaders and advocates for their community.
When you invest in our women’s self-help groups, you are creating these safe spaces for women. $500 supports one self-help group for a year. Please consider a donation today.