Baking Hope, One “Injera” at a Time

Amane Adem, a 29-year-old woman from Asella in Ethiopia's Oromia region, has faced numerous challenges due to a physical disability affecting both her legs. In addition to her own struggles, she bears the responsibility of supporting her visually impaired sister and her family of four on a limited income. Despite these hardships, Amane's story is one of remarkable resilience and dedication, fuelled by opportunities for growth and self-improvement. 

Through the ILO Better Regional Migration Management (BRMM) Programme, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Amane found new hope. The Generate Your Business Idea (GYB), Start Your Business (SYB), Life Skills, and Financial Literacy training programs offered by these organizations provided a lifeline for her. Upon hearing about the training from her neighbours, Amane eagerly enrolled. The comprehensive training not only equipped her with valuable business skills but also boosted her confidence, enabling her to forge a new path for her family. 

Equipped with new expertise in financial management, marketing, and business, Amane set out on a road of self-reliance. She turned her kitchen into a mini-production facility, using her skills to make Enjera, a popular Ethiopian delicacy. She started cautiously, baking 25 kg of Teff flour every day. The strategic planning and business management skills she acquired through the GYB, SYB, and related programs fuelled her progress. Starting with just 25 kg of Teff flour, she expanded to producing 100 kg daily, resulting in 150 Enjera. This significant growth enabled her to supply Enjera to three local restaurants, greatly boosting her income and ensuring a brighter future for her family.

Amane's ambitions extend beyond distributing Enjera to the local community. She has already begun expanding her businesses by raising a flock of seven chicks. In addition to her resilience and strength, her community's constant encouragement and support have boosted her ambition. Seizing new opportunities, she has ventured into livestock, acquiring two sheep that have recently given birth. Amane's ultimate vision is to build a successful cattle fattening and trading enterprise, demonstrating her commitment to long-term growth. 

 Amane's story goes beyond personal achievement, showcasing the impact of entrepreneurship, especially for those facing challenges. Her relentless determination, combined with support from the ILO BRMM, has not only elevated her family's previous challenges but also inspired her community. Accordingly, her journey stands as a testament to the fact that with perseverance, the right skills, and a strong support network, even the toughest obstacles can be overcome. 

Amane's experience shows the substantial impact that Programme like BRMM can have. Empowering women like her causes a positive ripple effect that impacts lives and communities across Ethiopia. 

 Written by Yonas B. Zewdie