Please chip in to raise $1500 to start a women's empowerment group in Ethiopia

Designed to empower impoverished women, Self-Help Groups target those who are marginalized in society.


These women typically earn meager incomes as daily laborers, potters or fuel-wood carriers; all professions which leave them vulnerable and personally at-risk for hyena attacks, theft, assault and rape.


These women don't typically have a voice in society, and often feel alone with their struggles. In addition to financial training, Self-Help Group participants receive training focused on mutual support and individual empowerment. They learn to share their struggles and begin to identify with other group members. They learn to operate their own savings and loan program and decide how money is invested. A close-knit support system is built to help with family issues, to be a safe place during times of crisis and to provide a sense of community and belonging.

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There are 3 initial trainings that take place in the first 12-18 months of group formation (timing depends on group, how they are getting things, if they need longer for certain topics, etc.). Trainings cover: what is an SHG and how can it help me, savings and basic financial information, income generating activities, introduction to saving process (getting bank account, record keeping, etc), group leadership and experience sharing.

The $50 cost per women includes a year’s worth of involvement and trainings. In the subsequent years there can be additional trainings offered. The curriculum was developed by an aid group in Nazret, who started forming these groups 9 years ago and has seen a great amount of success. There are a total of 6 organizations, including CHSFS, who are using the program to develop SHGs (each are doing things a little differently but the basics are the same). The concept came from India

originally. Additional trainings can include topics like; HIV/AIDS prevention, family planning, hygiene, advocacy, etc.

The groups all meet weekly, for the first year staff attend each meeting. The staff attend to help direct conversation and introduce discussion topics, they also help mediate conflict and talk to women who want to withdraw. They mostly observe and let the women discuss amongst themselves, especially after the group has been together a few months. The groups then get together for trainings as well.

Two participants have decided to further their education and are taking trade and college courses. Many women spoke about how they realized a little savings actually makes a difference in the long run, and how that was something they didn’t see before. They are also taking about better futures for their children. They all have spoken about how much the companionship means to them as they felt extremely isolated before.

Email molly@hopebytwelve.org if you're interested in helping these women hopebytwelve.org follow us on facebook: facebook.com/hopebytwelve