Bread & the Battle for Empowerment in Ethiopia

Murida’s husband left her to raise their four children on her own. Without a source of income, she lost her home, began living in the streets, and resorted to scavenging scraps of food from the trash to feed her family.

She felt hopeless. But then, she joined a Convoy of Hope Women’s Empowerment project in Ethiopia.

This program equips women with financial education, vocational training, cooperative saving groups, and startup capital that is provided as a gift instead of a loan. Women engage in self-esteem-building activities and are provided with education in basic literacy and numeracy, family health and nutrition, family planning, and the prevention of communicable diseases.

Through Women’s Empowerment, every aspect of a woman’s life is addressed — from personal issues to small-business training. Convoy of Hope also provides ongoing support after a woman starts her business to ensure success.

“Every woman deserves to be empowered, to have strength and dignity, to know she is valuable,” Doree Donaldson, Vice President of Convoy:Women said. “Through this program, the lives of women and their families are being transformed and are receiving hope for a better future. I am excited to be a part of helping my sisters all over the world!” 

Murida was trained in how to cook and sell a local bread called njera. Convoy of Hope also provided her with supplies to start her own business. She worked hard, saved money, and built a house for her family. Her children are so proud of her.

“I feel like a human being now,” said Murida. “It’s like I’ve been reborn.”

Convoy of Hope is privileged to serve many single mothers like Murida. We celebrate with them as they provide a better life for their families.

Thank you for supporting Convoy of Hope as we provide hope to individuals around the world who now have a bright future ahead of them.