Empowering Women. Restoring Dignity. Rebuilding Futures.

In communities deeply affected by conflict and displacement, many women find themselves without support, resources, or opportunities. Pathways to Independence is a year-long initiative designed to help women in Tigray regain control over their lives by building financial independence, personal resilience, and community connection.

This program blends emergency assistance, emotional support, and skills-based training to help participants move from crisis to confidence — one step at a time.

What the Program Provides

Stabilisation Support

  • Emergency essentials such as food, clean water, hygiene kits, and safe shelter

  • Access to medical and wellbeing support

  • Small financial grants to support short-term recovery and forward planning

Connection & Belonging

  • Small, supportive peer groups led by trained local mentors

  • Traditional coffee ceremonies to foster trust, cultural connection, and reflection

  • Weekly group check-ins and shared learning sessions in a safe environment

Pathways to Income
Participants are introduced to practical, income-generating activities, tailored to local realities and personal interests. These may include:

  • Craft or textile-based work

  • Small-scale agriculture or food production

  • Traditional skills with market potential

  • Entrepreneurial thinking and basic business planning

Each pathway is informed by community input and shaped through pilot projects, ensuring relevance, adaptability, and dignity. Programs are currently in development and will evolve in collaboration with local partners and participants.

Financial Confidence & Capability

  • Budgeting and money management

  • Savings strategies and financial literacy

  • Understanding local markets and customer needs

  • Opening and using bank accounts

  • Planning for small business sustainability

The Journey: A Year of Growth

The program runs for 12 months, designed in seasonal stages to ensure support and steady progress:

  • Weeks 1–2: Program welcome, immediate support, and group formation

  • Weeks 3–12: Skill-building sessions, resource distribution, and weekly mentor check-ins

  • Quarterly: Coffee ceremony sharebacks to reflect, celebrate, and adjust

  • Final Month: Graduation and planning for post-program success

Throughout the year, participants receive continuous encouragement and support from a network of mentors, trainers, and peers.

How We Measure Progress

Success is measured through both personal and collective achievements:

  • Skills gained, products created, and income generated

  • Confidence and goal-setting

  • Participation in workshops and learning sessions

  • Feedback and growth tracked by participants and mentors

  • Mid- and end-of-year evaluations to improve future cycles

The program is also supported by research and collaboration with local institutions to ensure its relevance and adaptability to the region’s evolving needs.

Why It Matters

When women are equipped with knowledge, confidence, and tools to succeed, they not only rebuild their own lives — they lift up families, communities, and future generations.

Pathways to Independence is more than a program. It’s a commitment to helping women thrive, lead, and create sustainable futures — on their own terms.