Empowered Women Lift Up Communities in Central Ethiopia!

Lemlem CLA members and Tesfa SHG members shared a moment together. CLAs promote solidarity, enhance the effectiveness of SHGs, and strengthen their impact by fostering collective action. [image description: a large group of women are smiling. Some are seated, and others are standing.]

Recently, we met with Lemlem, a Women’s Cluster-Level Association (CLA) in the beautiful village of Mugunja. Lemlem CLA was formed two years ago and represents 24 women’s self-help groups in the Mugunja village area. These dedicated women have worked tirelessly to raise the voices of women and children and are actively addressing local challenges. Here are some of their achievements:

• They constructed two small bridges, which have allowed mothers and children to travel safely and quickly across a small river to markets and schools. 

• They built a community kindergarten for local children who didn’t have access to school near their homes

• They restored a non-functioning water point that now provides clean water to their community

• They established an additional 16 new women’s self-help groups in their community, reaching more women and empowering them with the support and skills they need to thrive.

Lemlem CLA members shared their most recent action items with us. [image description: a woman with a patchwork skirt is speaking while two women are holding up a large pad of paper with writing]

The power of women uniting is an incredible force for good. CLAs provide a forum for multiple Women’s self-help groups (SHGs) to collectively address challenges, share best practices, and advocate for their interests and needs in their communities. CLAs are formed within a specific geographic location and are a larger structure with legal status, giving them a voice and influence in their communities.