Support Self-Help Groups for Women in Ethiopia

Two children have been set free from physical and psychological abuse at the hands of human traffickers. 

Perpetrators had lured a nine-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy away from their homes in the CentralEthiopiaRegional State by promising them work further south. Both children had been exploited for child labour and domestic servitude. 

They were found in a distressed state on the street by members of one of Hope for Justice’s Self-Help Groups. They contacted relevant individuals in the community for assistance. 

Gaboo Development Idir – a financial and social institution – in Ethiopia, had recently been trained by Hope for Justice and were instrumental in providing support. 

We had provided training on how traffickers operate, how to identify recruitment tactics and other methods used by exploiters. We had also equipped them with modern slavery awareness. This meant they were able to identify the children as potential victims and worked with other agencies and community groups to bring them to safety. 

Hope for Justice’s local Self-Help Groups and Cluster Level Associations (CLA) assisted, as well as the Kidigisa Community Facilitator, project officer, Woreda Police and the local government office. Together, we provided comprehensive support for the children, including food, clothing and medical treatment.

This coordinated effort by multiple organisations exemplifies the power of community and inter-organisational cooperation in protecting vulnerable children.

Hope for Justice has been working alongside Gaboo Idir to help them strengthen their role within the community as a leader in preventing modern slavery and in protecting children from trafficking and exploitation. The self-help organisation is made up of members who must accept the by-laws and regulations set by the Idir. It operates as a safety net in the community, supporting members during times of need, particularly during bereavement. 

Prior to the training, Zawudu said he had limited knowledge about modern slavery and human trafficking. 

He told us: “The training and resources provided by Hope for Justice have catalysed significant changes in Gaboo Development Idir, expanding its mission to include preventing modern slavery, supporting child protection and promoting positive parenting. We have been able to trace the children’s family addresses and coordinate a safe return process, ensuring the children were placed back in their families’ care. They are no longer at risk of re-trafficking.” 

As a result of training from Hope for Justice, the organisation is now ensuring that it promotes anti-trafficking measures and is working to establish trust between its members to ensure that they report suspicious activities. It has also incorporated new rules and regulations focused on combating modern slavery and child trafficking.

Gaboo Idir is looking to access further training to develop its members’ skills and knowledge, with the view to improving their advocacy efforts and taking on more complex issues related to child protection. They are committed to strengthening connections with supportive organisations and local government offices, and intend to continue collaborating with Hope for Justice to develop stronger prevention and intervention measures. 

Airi is a mother of two children, a 12-year-old daughter and a 7-year-old son. Her husband works as a farmer, however recent adverse climate events in the region have impacted crop yields and household income. With limited income sources in their rural village, Airi sent her eldest daughter to live with her uncle’s family in a city, where she believed her daughter would live a more comfortable life with increased access to financial opportunities. As compensation for living with the uncle’s family, Airi’s daughter was required to do household work, whilst attending school part-time. Before being introduced to her local Self-Help Group (SHG) by a Hope for Justice Community Facilitator, Airi said “I thought my daughter would have a better chance to succeed by being in the town, even though she was juggling both school and household responsibilities”.

Airi has been part of the Self-Help Group (SHG) in her community for over two years now. She has become an active participating member of her local SHG, attending weekly meetings with other women, sharing experiences, and creating a collective savings scheme to promote financial independence and economic empowerment of women in her community. Airi notes that, “through this collective effort, we support one another and are working to improve the quality of life for our families and our community”.

After becoming part of the SHG and completing trainings on good parenting practices, the dangers of human trafficking, gender equality, and the harmful effects of traditional practices, Airi shared with Hope for Justice that her perspective completed changed: “These training sessions were eye-opening and made me realize the importance of raising my children in a safe and nurturing environment, rather than focusing on the superficial comforts of urban life”. Airi decided to bring her daughter back home to their rural village, where she is now attending school full-time while living under the care and protection of her parents.

“This transformation in my understanding and actions was made possible through the support of Hope for Justice and the invaluable insights I gained from my fellow SHG members, who have been an incredible source of strength and guidance. Their [Hope for Justice’s] work has truly empowered me to be a better mother and a more informed member of my community”.– Airi

Hope for Justice would like to kindly thank our donors for supporting our Self-Help Groups in Ethiopia. Thanks to your generosity, we continue empowering women like Airi (name changed) to build resilience against child trafficking.