The challenges facing women in rural areas of Ethiopia are related to poverty and lack of education. As a woman’s social status is considered to be low, their full potential is not realised and they are left repressed and afraid. One method for addressing these and other problems is the formation of women’s Self Help Groups. LUCIA helps fund the development of such Self Help Groups, thereby empowering women economically, socially and politically. The groups address many problems by enabling women to tap into and mobilise the assets that they already have, no matter how small, rather then depending on external resources such as world aid.

Through the Self Help Groups and workshops led by community project officers, women can go on to support and educate each other on many issues including reproductive health and economy building methods.

With support from LUCIA and the SWDA, some groups go on even further and form their own small businesses, such as basket weaving or dress making. The women then share in the profits from the business, providing a better standard of living for themselves and their families. The children are also freed from daily chores and can attend school, improving the outlook of future generations. LUCIA is keen to support this form of long-term self-sustainable development.

There are currently over 100 SHGs running and LUCIA is supporting new Self Help Group formation in the Sebeta town area of Ethiopia. Six Self Help Groups have been formed so far with another 14 planned in the area, benefiting up to 300 women and their families.

The selection and formation of the Self Help Groups is done by one project officer who is employed with a monthly salary of 600 Birr - approximately £36 (GBP) at the time of writing. The employee is from the community and is therefore familiar with the local culture and traditions.