Ethiopia Birhanu (22) is a mother of two from Adairkay woreda in the Amhara region. She became the sole provider for her family after losing her husband to conflict. Adding to losing her partner, which had a considerable toll on her mental well-being, Ethiopia also lost her local beer business and her assets when the conflict forced her to flee her home.

Ethiopia is an example of all the women who became a model of resilience and strength in the face of adversity, as they tapped into their inner strength and continued to fight obstacles.  

Ethiopia ended up living in Debark town for a year and a half, where she earned an income by washing clothes and baking injera for others. She also worked as a daily labourer to make ends meet. Conflict situations can lead to both negative and positive transformations. On the one hand, women's livelihoods are often severely disrupted, resulting in the loss of jobs and economic resources, forcing them out of their homes. On the other hand, conflict can also catalyze positive social change and personal transformation. During displacement, women may assume non-traditional roles that necessitate the acquisition of new skills or the enhancement of existing ones, enabling them to adapt, thrive, and, most importantly, survive the challenges they face.

She managed to generate enough income to cover her family's basic needs.

In August 2023, Ethiopia was selected to participate in income-generating activities with access to training and a cash grant from the Peace Support Facility (PSF). With the 30,000 ETB grant, she purchased essential raw materials and equipment to restart her local Tela (local beer) business.

Ethiopia Berhanu has successfully rebuilt her life and revitalized her business, earning a net profit of 2,500 to 3,000 birr each month.