Tigray, Ethiopia - In the captivating town of Hewane, Tigray, a new narrative of hope unfolds every day. Selam, Zenebu, Alem, Hiliftum Kidusan, and Yayesh, a group of resilient mothers whose lives were disrupted by conflict, embody this spirit of resilience, courage, and empowerment. Their journey toward healing began with the ‘Response, Recovery, and Resilience for conflict-affected communities in Ethiopia’ (3R4CACE) project. This government initiative, financed by the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs with the support of UNOPS and UNFPA, aims to provide essential services for GBV survivors in the Tigray region.

Among the first to join the project was Zenebu Haddis, a 27-year-old mother of four who had lost her husband in the conflict. Similarly, Alem Hagazi, 40, faced overwhelming anxiety after losing her home and livelihood. Her journey shifted when she attended a community meeting led by World Vision, a partner of UNFPA in Tigray. There, she learned about a project focused on rehabilitating mothers through psychological support and training in income-generating activities, particularly sheep husbandry.

Hiliftum Berhanu, 35 and a mother of three, had always dreamed of owning a small farm. When she discovered that this project could help her acquire the necessary skills and resources, she leapt at the opportunity. Kidusan Awetagn, 27 and a mother of three, was inspired by the opportunity to transform her family’s life through this collective venture. Lastly, Yayesh Asmerom, 52 and a mother of five, brought her experience to guide the others as they embarked on this journey together.

United by their collective desire to rebuild their lives, the mothers enrolled in the 3R4CACE project, offering both psychological support and educational opportunities focused on Income Generating Activities (IGAs). From the onset, they formed a tight-knit community, where laughter, tears, and stories of resilience intertwined. They were not merely participants in a project; they were pioneers navigating the complexities of their new lives.

Through the project, the mothers attended workshops on sheep husbandry and animal care, learning the intricacies of livestock management. Zenebu's vivacity uplifted spirits, while Yayesh's wisdom provided stability, creating a balance that fostered both enthusiasm and mentorship.

As they progressed through the training, their lives transformed. They gained valuable skills in animal husbandry, caring for their sheep, and experiencing a sense of accomplishment with each successful breeding cycle. Alem, the group's organizer, began planning collective sales at local markets, believing they could achieve greater financial stability together.

Financial literacy sessions ignited a spark within them. For the first time, they envisioned a future beyond mere survival, imagining themselves as successful entrepreneurs. When the first lamb was born, joy surged through the group. It symbolized hope and renewal, with Hiliftum viewing it as a step toward her dream of a thriving livestock operation, while Kidusan aspired for her children’s quality education.

Inspired by their determination, more women joined the program, fostering collaboration and support. Together, they formed a cooperative, enhancing their market offerings through shared resources and skills. The five mothers evolved from participants to leaders, motivating their peers to embrace their potential.

With the support of the project, 8,808 women across the region were trained in different skill sets for economic independence, and 1,279 received start-up kits with financial backing to boost their recovery and empowerment. This comprehensive support system gave the women not just training, but the tools they needed to begin rebuilding their lives.

Today, Selam, Zenebu, Alem, Hiliftum, Kidusan, and Yayesh stand tall, proud of their thriving children. The tension that once loomed over them has dissipated, replaced by laughter and dreams for the future. They now mentor others, sharing their experiences and encouraging ambition.

Reflecting on her journey, Yayesh states, “Together, we are not just raising sheep; we are raising hope. This project has given us strength and reminded us of our power to inspire change.” Zenebu adds, “We started as mothers, but now we are a family, bonded by our dreams and resilience.”

As Alem surveys their cooperative’s success, she realizes that their achievements lie not only in the number of sheep but in the strength of their unity. Hiliftum smiles, knowing her dream belongs to all of them, intertwined in their shared journey.

These mothers embody the resilience nurtured by the project. Their story is a testament to unity, support, and the inherent strength of women to rise above adversity. The future of Hewane shines brightly, built on hope, empowerment, and the unyielding spirit of its women.

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*Disclaimer: The individuals featured in this story and associated photographs have provided written informed consent for the content to be used and disseminated by all the partners of the 3R project. This includes sharing the material through public communication channels such as social media, websites, and printed materials, in line with 3R's advocacy, awareness-raising, and reporting objectives.