Creating an enabling environment for vulnerable girls and women

Employment, migration and economic hardship are important and impactful issues that many Ethiopians are faced with. According to the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey, current employment among women age 15-49 increased from 2005 to 38%in 2011 but decreased to 33% in 2016. Additionally, unemployment is greater in female than men which poses further economic and social problem.
Hiwot Ethiopia has been implementing projects entitled creating an “enabling environment for vulnerable girls and women” funded by Australian Embassy. The objective of the project is to create a safe environment for vulnerable girls and women in the Kirkos sub city of Addis Ababa. The specific objectives are;
• To increase access to psychosocial support and create economic resilience for 40 girls
• Create economic resilience for 40 households affected by commercial sex works
• To increase awareness of 550 community members
Results
• 40 girls and mothers received skill building training on income generating and HIV/AIDS prevention
• 40 mothers relieved seed capital and started their IGAs
• Four self help groups established. The aim of the self help group is to enhance members’ commitment to support each other and practicing saving and credit.