Since girls in Ethiopia often have to drop out of school due to pregnancies or social exclusion, many of them suffer from illiteracy and a lack of education. This leads to poorly paid jobs, if at all. Their vulnerability increases with the lack of family support, the expectation to fend for themselves and the increasing pressure to marry if they are not already married. Young women and girls are trapped in a vicious cycle of poverty and vulnerability and are unable to lead independent lives with dignity.
The UP Women project supports young women in the Sidama region in gaining the necessary knowledge and self-confidence for a successful career. By the end of 2024, the project will help 1500 girls aged between 16 and 17 to improve their literacy and numeracy skills, which they need to transition into vocational training. Another 3500 young women between the ages of 18 and 24 will complete practical training in promising professions and ultimately enter the job market. This enables the girls and women to escape the poverty trap of “no qualifications - no work - no income” and lead a self-determined and dignified life
The project is also working with vocational training authorities, training providers and the private sector to improve the entire vocational training system in the Sidama region. This will enable even more young women to improve their chances of a financially independent life in the future.
Learn more about Helvetas in Ethiopia and UP Women.