We’ve seen what Tigrayan women can do if given support to start their own businesses and stand on their own feet.” - Abeba
The three-year conflict between the central Government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front had a huge impact on women and girls in northern Ethiopia. As well as large-scale displacement and insecurity, reports of gender-based violence, including conflict-related sexual violence, skyrocketed.
Abeba observed the work of women’s rights organisations in her country and chose to move from her position in local government to be part of the change. Now Director of the Women’s Association of Tigray (WAT), with a membership of 750,000 women, Abeba helps support survivors of gender-based violence and promotes women’s leadership in decision-making.
“The atrocities faced by WAT members have resulted in moral damage that will take years to heal,” says Abeba. “It was my strong belief that my membership in the organisation would contribute towards helping WAT meet its mission.”
The work that WAT undertakes is part of CARE’s Women Lead in Emergencies approach, which supports women’s groups to take a lead role in responding to the crises impacting them and their communities.
“WAT has a large presence at the community level, as well as well-established structures at all levels. WAT uses this position to help women mobilise and take part in the project, and to have their voices heard in humanitarian decision-making in Tigray.”
WAT as an organisation has a focus on women’s participation in political decision-making, as well as providing financial support to protect women from the risks that occur when a crisis strips them of their ability to earn money and support themselves.
“One important message that I want to convey to the rest of the world is that Tigrayan women have faced unimaginable atrocities, which will take years to recover from. But despite this, we’ve seen what Tigrayan women can do if given support to start their own businesses and stand on their own feet.”
Women like Abeba are leading the way for equality in their communities. Supporting women for a safer and better future.