Livelihood Development

Strengthened the social and economic situation of vulnerable women and men. The focus is on the most disadvantaged groups such as the poor households of the 'Fuga', who are particularly vulnerable due to deep-rooted social stigmatisation, as well as households headed by women and their children.

The project works with 4.337 residents (1.375 men, 2.962 women). Of these, 2.240 are pupils (1.075 boys and 1.165 girls). Indirectly, around 15.282 people (7.946 women and 7.336 men) are reached by the project activities.

Gender inequality is one of the biggest challenges in the areas. In Ethiopia, 80% of the population lives in rural areas and women do most of the agricultural work. Though, their contribution often goes unrecognised. One in three women experience physical, emotional or sexual violence, 65% of women have experienced female genital mutilation, and only half of girls who attend primary school make it to fifth grade (USAID, 2022). The women of the Fuga are doubly burdened. They are known for making and selling traditional pottery. This activity contributes to conflicts with the majority of the population, as the required land belongs to the community. The excavations also lead to land degradation. The main causes of gender inequality in the project area are lack of access to education, lack of skills, illiteracy, neglect, poor living conditions for women and girls and the community's lack of awareness of gender relations.

• By strengthening existing and establishing new self-help groups, women can participate in public decision-making processes and strengthen their self-confidence to take on leadership roles in the family and at community level
• Women from the marginalised Fuga increase their income through productive pottery
• Children from socially disadvantaged households are enrolled in school
• The school environment is improved through the provision of teaching materials and the establishment of two libraries
• To increase agricultural and livestock productivity, farmers are trained in sustainable agriculture, seeds are distributed and oxen are provided
• Forums and discussions with community leaders, women and men address gender-specific harmful practices and norms and thus promote gender equality