Thanks to the generous support of partners like the Leo Lion Foundation, Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia has launched an impactful initiative focused on improving the livelihoods of vulnerable women in Addis Ababa and surrounding areas. This project exemplifies how investing in housing and empowering women leads to lasting change, not only for individual families but also for the broader community.

Building Homes, Building Futures

Through a combination of home construction, business support, and access to financial training, Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia has made substantial progress in uplifting women who face some of the most challenging living conditions. With the support of this project, Habitat Ethiopia has helped build homes and upgrade facilities for 100 women-headed households. These homes not only offer a safe and secure place to live but also provide a foundation for families to thrive.

Many of these women were previously living in unsafe and overcrowded conditions, where their homes were not conducive to both business and family life. One such woman, Yiftu, moved into a newly constructed home, gaining a sense of security and stability for herself and her child. Yiftu’s story reflects the broader impact of this initiative, which enables families to focus on improving education, health, and economic opportunities. This effort is especially crucial in Addis Ababa, where over 60% of the population lives in slum areas, many women lacking access to housing and financial opportunities.

Six new houses with elevated roofs and four houses with normal heights in Lideta Sub-city

Skills for Sustainable Independence

A core part of this project is the financial literacy and livelihood training provided to the women. By equipping them with essential skills to manage household finances and run small businesses, Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia is fostering greater independence and resilience among women. Many of the women have successfully launched businesses, directly improving their families’ financial stability.

This empowerment is part of a larger initiative where 100 women have participated in financial literacy and entrepreneurship training. This has lead to 98 of the women establishing new businesses and having increased financial autonomy. Additionally, the project has included training in construction skills and home maintenance, enabling women to maintain and improve their homes. This not only contributes to the sustainability of their businesses but also instils a sense of ownership and confidence in managing both their households and enterprises.

Sustainable Growth Through Revolving Funds

A key feature of this project is the creation of a revolving fund, made possible by the repayments from the initial group of beneficiaries. This fund will provide additional support for future participants, allowing the project’s impact to extend beyond the original 100 women. By fostering a sense of community and ownership, the project has set the foundation for a sustainable cycle of empowerment and economic growth.

Shifting Perspectives on Gender

The project also addresses gender inequality by ensuring that women are not only the recipients of aid but also active participants in the decision-making process. Women’s roles in both the home and the economy have been significantly strengthened through this initiative. By raising awareness about gender equality and fostering leadership among women, Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia is making a lasting impact on societal perceptions of women’s roles in their communities.

Partnerships for Impact

The success of this project would not have been possible without the support and funding from our dedicated partner, Leo Lion Foundation. Their commitment to empowering women has directly impacted the lives of countless individuals. Together, we are creating opportunities for economic empowerment, social inclusion, and a brighter future for women in Ethiopia.

This initiative not only provides women with the tools to improve their livelihoods but also inspires others to follow in their footsteps, ensuring that future generations benefit from a more equal and sustainable society.