Women are Growing the Economy in Central Ethiopia

Women from the Hing Oronam Self-Help Group gathered to meet with their social workers. [image description: a group of 20 women is gathered; some are holding goats and an ox. Food items are placed in front of them]

Women’s Self-Help Groups are empowering their members to create better futures for themselves, their families, and the community.

In the village of Waro, the 20 women of the Hing Oronam Self-Help Group (SHG) are playing a key role in strengthening their communities' economic development. Members started small businesses, including fattening goats and oxen and selling grains at the local market. Other members purchased food items (teff, oil, sugar, salt, and butter) to sell at higher prices during the holiday season when these items are in high demand. The women all report that their economic and social status has improved greatly, and their hard work is paying off!

[image description: a group of women are gathered together for their weekly SHG meeting]

Many of the SHG members shared that they are able to afford clothing and school supplies for their children. More recently, there was a malaria epidemic in their village, and families were able to cover the associated medical expenses. Their husbands, impressed by their success and impact, formed their own self-help group based on the principles of this SHG!

[image description: women from the Hing Oronam SHG are pictured with their husbands]