Improved economic prospects, education and health for women and children in Tigray

Until the end of 2022, Tigray was the scene of one of the bloodiest conflicts in recent history. Over 600,000 people died and more than 1 million people are still displaced until today. Despite the existing peace agreement, many people remain in IDP camps, where they often live in unsafe conditions without adequate basic services. Women are particularly affected: they have lost sources of income, suffer from poverty and violence and often have to choose risky ways to survive.

Economically, the people of Tigray have been hit hard by the conflict-related loss of livelihoods and assets. Practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM), early and forced marriages are also becoming more common again. The destruction of infrastructure and markets exacerbates the situation, forcing many women to manage with scarce resources or decide early on whether to marry their daughters. Limited access to healthcare, psychosocial support and education is a major challenge, especially for women and girls. They often remain alone with the trauma of violence and displacement. Without support, the psychological and economic consequences of the conflict will continue to have an impact on the everyday lives of the population.

The aim of the project is to support women on their path to economic independence and to empower them and their families through income generating opportunities and the provision of education, healthcare and psychosocial support.

The project comprises activities in four sections:

• It supports women in building economic livelihoods through training in business management as well as social and practical life skills. Accompanying measures such as mentoring, the promotion of saving groups and financial support to set up a business.
• Psychosocial support and healthcare are strengthened through counselling services and the establishment of peer support networks, which enable exchange and mutual support in a protected and safe environment. In addition, access to medical services and health insurance is being improved. Women who still suffer the consequences of the conflict and violence experienced receive comprehensive mental and psychosocial support.
• Educational measures such as literacy courses for adults and tutoring programmes for children promote access to education. Early childhood development is supported through day care centres that provide safe places for children and support their emotional, social and cognitive development.
• Cooperation with government and community representatives as well as the establishment and strengthening of existing structures help to anchor the activities in the long term.