In the absence of other job opportunities, they engage in small-scale dairy farming, the production of vegetables, fruits, and spices, as well as the retail of garden inputs and materials to earn income.However, the growing number of livestock, dairy farms, and poultry businesses is contributing to pollution and negatively impacting air quality for city residents. To address this, as part of the ProAgro Ethiopia project's goal of decent job creation, these businesses are being relocated outside the city to designated areas with clusters of permanent structures. These new locations will offer additional training in quality, hygiene, and waste management. These small-scale “eco-industrial hubs” will play an important role in advancing the UN Climate Action’s Greener Cities initiative and supporting the Ethiopian Government’s Climate Resilient Green Economy Agenda.This pilot component of the ILO ProAgro Ethiopia Project has been well-received by the first cohort of 32 small businesses engaged in the agro-processing sector. Additionally, a partnership with local TVET colleges has been established to provide green skills training on waste reuse, as well as on the quality production and processing of milk and eggs.Formalizing Women’s Agri-businesses in Spices: Expanding Market Access and Job Creation PotentialThe training, business development coaching, and provision of production machinery are key steps in formalizing small and micro-enterprises in the agribusiness sector, which is predominantly led by women. Despite their creativity and dedication, women often face challenges in accessing land, credit, and machinery to expand their businesses.“We started as individuals and were fortunate to join the ILO ProAgro Ethiopia project for business coaching and access to finance. We then formed a cooperative of eight women. Initially, we produced spices in poor working conditions, which affected the quality of our products and packaging. Thanks to the ILO ProAgro Ethiopia project, we now have two grinding machines that will address quality and hygiene issues and increase our production,” says Kidist Demeke, Team Leader of Birtu Baltna, a women’s agribusiness network specializing in spice processing.The success of this eight-member women’s cooperative has been highlighted in regular business-to-business events, which have become a key part of their exposure and market expansion strategies. The women are hopeful about expanding their market access to more distributors and Ethiopian diaspora consumers abroad.Watch https://youtu.be/LaPujSpxiso how we are empowering small and micro-enterprises to thrive and create sustainable livelihoods in the agro-processing sector in Ethiopia. , filtered_html

Raised by a single mother who struggled to meet ends, she used to help her in labor-intensive domestic work after school. When she reached 9th grade, she dropped out of school and got married since the household’s meager income wasn’t enough for her and two siblings. “I was a homemaker, as a driver, my husband’s income wasn’t sufficient.  Having a child added a burden to our economic condition. Despite trying to do some work outside home as house help and a waitress, life was difficult for me for over twenty years,” she spoke.As one of the 800 women reached by a UN Women supported project, “Integrated and Sustainable Economic Empowerment Initiative (ISEEI)”, Abeba considered the support provided by the project instrumental for opening a time and labour-saving services business mainly catering to women in her community who cannot afford to buy food processors. (From left) Abeba measures and chops onions for one of her customers with the machine she purchased through the project’s support. (Photo: UN Women/Fikerte Abebe)“After I registered under the project two years ago, I took a ten-day training on basic business and life skill,” Abeba said. “For cash award, I submitted a business plan on provision of labor and time saving food processing service in my village where over 300 households do not have the access.  Through the business plan, I was awarded 25,000birr (500USD). I mobilized the remaining 60,000birr (1,200USD) through saving and credit association and purchased the machine for 85,000birr (1,700USD).  The 20,000 (400USD) loan provided through the project enabled me to cover related costs.” “Before the project I was totally dependent on my husband, but, today, I have 300,000 Birr (USD 2,700) capital. Every month I save 2000 (USD 18) through Equb. From the total 20,000 Birr (USD 400) loan I borrowed, only 6,000 Birr (54 USD) is remained to be paid back,” Abeba said. For Fayine Geleta, 38, another woman reached by ISEEI project, a desire to engage in a business began while she was still in school. She used to sell fruits without the knowledge of her family. “I was always engaged in some form of businesses.  After getting married and giving birth, I was selling spices, grains, cooking butter and honey that contributes to the family’s income.  When my husband got sick, I became the bread winner. Despite spending more time and energy on my business to fully support the family, the income was never enough to cover the expenses,” she spoke. Fayine takes care of the sheep she fattens for sale.Fayine said the project was vital in helping her build a successful business, “Before the project, my capital didn’t rise beyond 6000birr(116USD). Today it is around 300,000(4815USD). The support from the project is a turning point in mine and my family’s livelihoods. My only wish is if I had joined it earlier as I can imagine how much more successful my efforts could have been.” Ms. Meseret Berhanu chairwoman of the women and children affairs office in Legetafo said that the project, which has so far reached over 800 women directly and further provided relevant trainings to more than 4000 women, has been influential in improving the lives of women with low-income, their families and communities. Ms. Yiftusira Mulugeta, leader of women’s Saving and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs), where women are organized to access services by the project, reiterates Ms Meseret’s testimony saying, “The women are not only meeting theirs and their families’ immediate basic needs in better ways, being members of Saving and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs), their financial resource is sustained with the skill to manage it.” UN Women’s Integrated and Sustainable Economic Empowerment Initiative (ISEEI) Project,  being  implemented in partnership with Women in Self Employment (WISE), with funding from the Governments of the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden as part of the Strategic Note (2021-25) , facilitates provision of  business skill development initiatives and access to finance to enable women generate business ideas and opportunities in their locality while equipping them with life and leadership skills for  problem-solving, self-esteem, and  teamwork., filtered_html

Through their engagement in the UN-Habitat initiative, they are building their lives and communities through resilience and newfound skills.Ifrah Beshir Ahmed: A Journey of Empowerment and Community BuildingAt just 20 years old, Ifrah Beshir Ahmed has already faced significant challenges. A relocated woman, she had to leave school after the eighth grade due to marriage. Now divorced and a devoted mother to her three-year-old daughter, Ifrah lives with her mother in a house in desperate need of repair. Before her relocation, she supported herself by selling coffee, tea, and sometimes food. However, in her new environment, business has been slow, making it difficult for her to sustain an income. With no prior knowledge or experience in construction, she felt uncertain about her future—until she heard about a skills training program in her community.Determined to change her circumstances, Ifrah joined the program, hoping to learn something new that could help her rebuild her home and support her family. Initially unsure about what to expect, she soon discovered a world of opportunity. Through the training, she learned essential construction skills, including setting out and building masonry foundations using mud blocks. Although she missed the initial lessons on making mud blocks, she eagerly absorbed knowledge from others who had learned before her. “I can’t wait to build the foundation,” she said, her eyes shining with excitement. “It’s empowering to know that I can create something with my own hands.”As the days passed, her confidence soared. She mastered the art of setting out and building masonry foundations, learned to mix materials for plastering, and discovered how to reinforce structures with binding materials. The once timid young woman, unsure of what the future held, was now standing tall—strong, skilled, and full of purpose.But the most unexpected gift was not just the knowledge she gained, but the sisterhood she found. Working side by side with other women, she realized she was not alone in her struggles. Together, they were not just learning a trade; they were building something far greater—a community of women determined to uplift one another.Her older brother, who is also part of the program learning carpentry, inspired her further. While he does not live with them, she hopes to learn carpentry skills from him in the future, adding even more value to her knowledge. Ifrah is not just thinking about herself—she wants to pass on what she has learned. She and her fellow trainees are planning to teach other young women in their community who have not yet had the opportunity to participate in such a life-changing experience.When asked what advice she would give to other girls facing challenges, her answer was simple but profound:“Always strive for better. Hard work pays off, and learning new skills is crucial. Never let your circumstances define you.”Ifrah is deeply grateful for the opportunity that changed her life, but she knows that true transformation goes beyond personal success—it’s about igniting change in others.“This training has created a buzz in our community, a noise that has motivated all the youth. It’s something we haven’t heard in a while, and it’s truly amazing. Thank you.”Ifrah’s story is more than just one of resilience; it’s a story of hope, empowerment, and the unyielding power of community. She is not just building walls; she is breaking barriers. She is not just constructing homes; she is shaping futures. Through her determination, she is proving that no matter how broken the past, the future can still be built—one brick at a time.Abdulkader Areb Ibrahim, aka ‘Dekere’: Brick by BrickAt 41 years old, Abdulkader Areb Ibrahim, affectionately known as "Dekere," is no stranger to hard work. A devoted father of seven children, he lives in a crowded home alongside his elderly mother, wife, and children. Life has not been easy since his relocation, which left him unable to continue his driving job that once provided for his family. "I used to have a driving license. Back in Mechara, I could make a living out of it. But here?" he shakes his head. "I couldn't even find someone willing to let me drive their cars, let alone a job."Despite these hardships, Dekere has never been one to sit idly by. He calls himself a workaholic—a man who thrives on purpose and doing something with his hands. When he heard about the skills training program, particularly the masonry component, he saw an opportunity not just to rebuild his home but his livelihood. "I had some experience making blocks back in Mechara, just a little," he admits. "But here, I wanted to do more than just remember. I wanted to master it."Through the training, Dekere has learned how to make mud blocks and construct masonry foundations. More than just hands-on work, he gained something he never had before: knowledge of how to calculate the number of blocks needed to build a house. "It’s a simple concept," he chuckles, "but I never thought about it before. Now, when I look at a wall, I don’t just see bricks, I see numbers, calculations, and possibilities." The training has given him renewed energy. Every morning, he wakes up excited, knowing there’s something new to learn, something to create. "It's been a long time since I felt this motivated. I used to wake up worrying about what work I’d find that day. Now, I wake up knowing that I have a skill to build on."Dekere is also keenly aware of the economic potential this training holds. With a certificate in hand, he hopes to secure work in Kebribeyah or Jigjiga, where construction jobs might be available. But beyond that, he sees a future in his own community. "Most houses here need repairs, including mine. Now, I know how to fix them. And not just that—I can teach others, work with my neighbors, and maybe even turn this into a way of earning."As the interview wraps up, Dekere’s eyes light up with a mix of determination and pride. "You see, I believe in hard work. A man must know something, must have a skill to survive. And now, I have another one to add to my list."With hands rough from labor but a spirit unshaken, Abdulkader Areb Ibrahim is not just building houses—he’s building a future.These personal transformations are part of a broader initiative by UN-Habitat, aimed at strengthening the resilience of disaster-affected communities in Ethiopia. Through projects like the "Strengthening Resilience of Disaster-Affected Communities Through Durable Solutions in Oromia and Somali Regions of Ethiopia," UN-Habitat provides fit-for-purpose shelter upgrades and housing repairs. By offering practical training in construction, these programs empower individuals like Ifrah and Dekere to rebuild their homes and communities, fostering self-reliance and economic development. UN-Habitat's commitment to sustainable urban development ensures that such initiatives are tailored to the unique needs of each community, promoting inclusive growth and resilience.The collaborative efforts of UN-Habitat and local communities are paving the way for sustainable development in Ethiopia. By equipping individuals with essential skills and resources, they are not only rebuilding physical structures but also restoring hope and dignity to those affected by displacement and adversity., filtered_html

Despite some improvements in the last decade, in Ethiopia, women’s representation in public leadership and decision making is still minimal. With this background, UN Women Ethiopia has been working closely with local partners to increase women’s effective participation and equal representation in leadership and decision making by employing tailored strategies. Building the capacity of women leaders on transformative leadership for gender equality is among key strategies utilized.  In the year 2024, UN Women capacitated 364 women leaders from different regions. Women leaders who benefited from the training programs have now gained new skills and knowledge on being transformative and influential leaders which will contribute to their effort to tackle various gender inequalities persisting in their respective regions. Rukiya Endris is the Deputy Administrator of Kedida Kebele in Kombolcha City Administration of the Amhara region. She is one of the women who participated in Transformative Leadership for Gender Equality (TLGE) training and mentorship initiative by Amhara Bureau of Women, Children and Social Affairs (BoWCSA ) in partnership with UN Women. She recalls the challenges she used to face including difficulty to accept harsh criticisms from her colleagues due to lack of confidence. This was also reflected in her personal relationships. “While I was in this critical situation, I participated in a five-day day training on personal development, transformative leadership, gender equality, time management, crisis leadership and women's role in peace and security skills in May 2024. I also got a mentorship and networking opportunity in August 2024. Through the training skills and mentorship support I gained I have brought many changes in my life and career. I have boosted my self-confidence. I also learned resilience, persistence and servanthood from the training and mentorship support,” she said.  Another participant of TLGE training, Kokebe Seid, has also similar feeling. Kokebe is currently Head of the Inspection and Ethics Commission of South Wollo Zone, Amhara region. According to Kokebe, before the training she was in intense grief and sadness, because she lost her husband and children during the Northern Ethiopia conflict. Kokebe participated in the training focusing on transformative leadership for gender in September 2022. She also took part in the mentorship programme and gained in a mentorship and coaching skills. She participated in August 2024, for the second time, to support a mentee, another aspiring leader.“Both the TLGE training and the mentorship journey helped me improve my work, personal and social life. The training improved not only my abilities but also rekindled my passion for leadership. It gave me back my confidence and enabled me to learn from other women,” Kokebe said.Mr. Solomon Kindu, the Director of Gender and Inclusion Directorate at Amhara BoWCSA, highlighted the impact of UN Women-supported capacity development and mentorship interventions in the region. He said UN Women has worked with Amhara BoWSCA since 2017 and built the capacity of many women leaders and aspirants at all levels to increase the participation of women in public life. Mr. Solomon Kindu, Director of Gender and Inclusion Directorate, Amhara BoWCSA. Photo/UN Women/Desalew AlehegnMr Solomon also noted that the conflict in the northern part of Ethiopia and the current ongoing conflict in Amhara region affected the participation and representation of women in leadership and decision-making positions since 2021. Women leaders have resigned from their leadership positions due to the conflicts. UN Women’s support was vital in alleviating the impact through TLGE trainings and mentorship program. “The training and the mentorship linkages have improved the leadership, personal and social lives of the women leaders. The women leaders are aspirants have improved their self-confidences and held leadership positions.” He spoke. UN Women and Amhara BoWCSA, with funding from the government of the Netherlands have been implementing a project “Enhancing Women’s Leadership and Empowerment Project in Amhara region” since 2017. The project employed multipronged strategies including capacity building and mentorship for aspirant young women and lower-level women leaders, men political leaders’ engagement as well as advocacy and awareness promotion. , filtered_html