World Vision’s RESILIENT-WE project empowers women to gain financial independence

Marshet Getahun, a single mother of two, lives in the Ija Fara neighbourhood in Chiro district, Western Harerge zone, Oromia Regional State. After her divorce, she became solely responsible for raising her two children. Life became increasingly challenging, compounded by her children's poor health and nutrition. "After I got divorced, housing was one of my major challenges," Marshet shares.

Amid her struggles, World Vision's RESILIENT-WE project gave her a lifeline. Through the project, Marshet gained from capacity-building training in savings and credit. She later joined the Abdi Gudina (Hope for Growth) Savings Group. "I and other women of Ija Fara organised through the group and started saving money.”

Marshet’s savings eventually grew to 5,000 birr. With support from the Savings Group, she secured an additional loan of 15,000 birr (US$260) to expand her business. Over time, her family’s situation improved. She was able to breastfeed her baby and provide essentials like clothing exclusively. "My daughter will begin school at the start of the upcoming academic year," she says with pride.

Grateful for how her life has turned around, "I'd like to thank God and World Vision for the transformation. Even if the project ends or this support is no longer available, I want to teach others how to save.”

The RESILIENT-WE project, funded by the Government of Canada (GAC), empowers women by increasing their access to finance through the Saving for Transformation (S4T) model. This enables women to access basic financial services such as savings, loans, and insurance directly within their communities. To date, over 6,000 women have gained access to financial services through savings groups. 

The project's commitment to empowering women is evident. 65% of grantees are female. For example, the Abdi Gudina Savings Group saved 154,700 birr (US $2,690) within 36 weeks and distributed the funds among its members. 

World Vision has supported vulnerable mothers like Marshet, helping them rise above their circumstances, and through this, women like her are transforming their lives and securing a brighter future for their children.

By Fekadu Ethiopia, Communications Coordinator (ILaNS), World Vision Ethiopia