Support Self-Help Groups for Women in Ethiopia

I am a member of one of the Hope for Justice supported Self-Help Groups (SHG). I am a mother of four children—one son and three daughters—and I have experienced both deep hardship and meaningful transformation in my life. Before joining the SHG, my life was extremely difficult. I was previously living in another area of Ethiopia with my family when my husband passed away during a very critical time. His death left me solely responsible for raising our children and managing the household. The loss was not only emotional but also created serious economic challenges, as I had no stable source of income. During this period, I faced significant social pressure from members of my community. Many people doubted my ability to survive and raise my children independently. Some even advised me to remarry as the only solution to my situation. These voices made me feel discouraged and uncertain about my future. At that time, I lacked confidence and did not believe that I could overcome these challenges on my own. 

My life began to change when I heard about the Self-Help Group from my neighbors. They explained that SHGs provide opportunities for women to save money, access loans, and support one another in starting small businesses. Encouraged by this information, I decided to join the group. Becoming a member of the SHG was a turning point in my life. Through the group, I was introduced to new ideas and perspectives, particularly the belief that women are capable of achieving the same things as men. This message had a powerful impact on me. Despite the pain I had experienced, I began to believe that I could change my situation and challenge the negative attitudes in my community. With the support of the SHG, I started engaging in income-generating activities. I began a small business selling bread and tea. Although it was modest at the beginning, it provided me with a starting point to rebuild my life. Through regular savings and access to small loans within the group, I was able to strengthen and expand my business over time. As my income improved, I was able to better support my children and ensure that they continued their education. This was one of my greatest priorities, as I wanted to provide them with opportunities for a better future. Today, my children are continuing their schooling, and I am proud of the progress we have made as a family. 

Beyond economic improvement, I experienced a significant transformation in my self-confidence and social participation. I began to see myself not as a victim of circumstances, but as a capable and strong individual. I became more active in community activities and started participating in social engagements, just as men do. This was a major shift from my previous situation, where I felt isolated and dependent. One of the most important changes in my life has been the shift in community perception. Initially, many people believed that a woman could not lead a household independently or succeed without a husband. However, as they observed my progress and resilience, their attitudes began to change. Today, I am recognized as a strong and independent woman who is capable of leading her household and contributing to the community. This transformation was made possible through the support and opportunities provided by the SHG and Hope for Justice. The training, encouragement, and peer support I received helped me build confidence, develop skills, and take practical steps toward improving my life. Without this support, I often reflect that my situation could have remainedvery difficult, with limited options for change. 

The most significant outcome of this journey is my independence, both economically and socially. I am now able to provide for my children, make decisions for my household, and participate actively in my community. I have also become a role model for other women, demonstrating that it is possible to overcome hardship and achieve success through determination and support. Reflecting on my experience, I am proud of the progress I have made. I have transformed my life from one of dependency and uncertainty to one of confidence and stability. I now believe in myself and my ability to overcome challenges.My advice to other women in similar situations is to believe in their own potential and seek opportunities for growth, such as joining Self-Help Groups. With commitment, hard work, and mutual support, it is possible to create meaningful change and improve one’s life. In conclusion, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Hope for Justice for their support and commitment to empowering women. Their intervention has played a crucial role in changing my life and helping me become the person I am today. 

“Today, I stand strong as a mother, a provider, and a leader. I believe in myself, and I am proud of the life I have built for my children.”