Starting a Women’s Empowerment program in a place where women have had very little exposure to education or opportunity is not easy. In the hills of North East Ethiopia, change doesn’t come quickly. Many older women are cautious and hesitant. Younger women often don’t know where to start. But something powerful is happening.
A Hard Place to Be a Woman
Most women are Muslim and belong to the Amhara ethnic group. Many live in rural areas, are married young, and have little say in their futures. A large number of them haven’t received any formal education. Many are housewives, and those who work are part of the informal economy—buying and selling to get by, not to get ahead.
Women here face real challenges: lower pay, fewer job opportunities, and little support when crisis hits. If a child gets sick or a funeral needs to be paid for, they often have no choice but to sell what little they own—or go without.
Something New is Growing
That’s why Petros Network launched the Women’s Empowerment Program. Every week, five groups of 20 women each meet in what are called Village Saving and Loan Associations. These groups aren’t just about money—they’re about hope, trust, and support.
At first, the women came with their arms crossed—unsure and guarded. Now, they hold hands, share stories, and encourage one another. Soon, they’ll receive a one-time microgrant to help grow their savings and invest in small businesses. With this support, they’ll be able to cover school fees, prepare for emergencies, and plan for the future.
Real Change, Real Confidence
Our local director, Yenenesh, says the change is more than financial. The women are learning to speak with confidence, to make decisions, and to believe in their value. They’re becoming curious about new ideas and even exploring their spiritual lives in new ways.
These women are building lives of dignity and purpose. They’re not just surviving anymore—they’re dreaming.
A Brighter Future
Empowering women in places like North East Ethopia is not quick or easy. It takes time, patience, and trust. But it’s worth it. Because when women are given the tools to succeed, everything changes—for their families, their communities, and the generations that follow.
In a place where opportunity was once rare, hope is growing.
Amirat’s husband recently passed away and she joined our program. At first, she cried at every meeting when mentioning him, and her fellow members, comforted her with kind words and sympathy. Now, she no longer cries and is starting to find hope. During our last meeting, we were able to share the Gospel with her, offering faith as she begins her journey of healing and empowerment.
Amirat is just one of many women finding healing and empowerment in Ethiopia through the support of change-makers like you!
Help Change HER World
Petros Network has taken strategic steps to reverse the trends facing most women in the villages where we have planted churches. Women are provided life skills, business training, and microgrants to create sustainable livelihoods that benefit the entire family.
Every gift to Petros Network’s Women and Girls Initiative helps create lasting change, restoring dignity and purpose for women and girls across generations.
