Dispatch from Mariam Shewto: Your Generosity Pays Dividends

By Dr. M. A. Nurhussein

This season, I write to you from Ethiopia, where I had the privilege of visiting Tigray, specifically Adwa, to witness firsthand the progress of our project aimed at healing and empowering survivors of the vicious gender-based violence during the genocidal war in Tigray. What I saw left me deeply encouraged and optimistic.

🌄 Journey to Mariam Shewto

Together with the head of the Tigray Women’s Affairs Bureau in Adwa, I traveled to Mariam Shewto, a mountain village about 10 miles away. The steep ascent along winding roads brought us to a community where resilience and renewal are flourishing.

The first woman we met, Brzat, welcomed us with a sunny disposition and proudly showed us her thriving poultry farm. Her business has grown so rapidly that she built a large chicken coop to house her flock of 125 chickens. Over the recent Ethiopian holidays, she earned 45,000 birr from selling chickens and eggs, three to four times the average monthly salary of a government employee. Her success is a testament to what empowerment can achieve.

The second woman, Alemnesh, shared a similar story of growth. She expanded her poultry farm and built an extra room to accommodate her flock. As she spoke, her 13-year-old son returned from school, embraced his mother, and quickly changed into work clothes to help water the chickens. Their bond and collaborative enterprise embody the strength of family and community renewal.

✨ Transformation and Empowerment

Meeting these women revealed the remarkable transformation in their lives. They are no longer defined by trauma; they are healed, empowered, confident, and independent business owners. Their optimism radiates, and their enterprises not only sustain their families but also boost the local economy.

When asked if they minded being recorded, both women responded with pride:

“Not at all. Let the whole world know our story. All that’s needed is a little caring and encouragement, and miracles can happen. Let other women in similar circumstances learn from our example. A little human compassion can go a long way.”

Their words echo the spirit of resilience shared by more than 200 other women who have already become economically independent through Wogahta’s program.

🌱 Looking Ahead

Thanks to your generous donations on Giving Tuesday, we have begun enrolling the remaining 300 women in this community. By the end of this year, we aim to complete Phase One of Wogahta’s program and then move into our more ambitious Phase Two.

With your continued support, we are confident that we will reach every survivor in Tigray and beyond.

💌 A Holiday Message

As we enter the holiday season, I ask you to keep these women in your thoughts and prayers, with open hearts and wallets. Your compassion fuels transformation, and together we can ensure dignity, healing, and hope for all survivors.

Wishing you a safe and joyful holiday season,

President of Wogahta