PHOTO CAPTION: Mekedes leading a hairdressing lesson at the Safehouse'
Nothing is impossible. Everything will pass. We must not feel inferior, you need to convince yourself that you can do it, I am an example of this. I worked and demonstrated. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for what you have done"
We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported Ethiopiaid’s Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 Appeal. We are delighted to share that we raised an incredible £146,785.
This means that we can provide safety, support and legal advice for over 2,550 women and girls who have faced gender-based violence in Ethiopia. We have been blown away by the generosity and, on behalf of the women and girls whose lives will be changed, we want to share our heartfelt thanks to Radio 4 listeners.
Women and girls in Ethiopia are vulnerable to all forms of violence. Despite the existence of violence-prevention laws in Ethiopia which prohibit it, there are an unacceptably high number of gender-based violence cases. Our Safehouses work towards freedom from abuse for all women and girls in Ethiopia by increasing awareness of gender equality and making it clear where women can go to find help. Sadly, they have seen a 15% increase in women seeking help in the last 12 months. That’s why this appeal, and your generosity, could not have come at a better time.
After sharing Mekedes’ story with you, we wanted to tell you a little more about her incredible recovery and how her life has changed.
After arriving at the safehouse, Mekedes began her life-long healing process with the help of Tsion, the safehouse's counsellor. She was hard working and continued her education and soon she passed her grade 8 exams. Mekedes showed real talent in hairdressing, computer skills and a natural flare flair for fashion designing. She formed supportive relationships with residents and staff , this which inspired her to support other women, who were also recovering from abuse and trauma. With her newfound skills and confidence, Mekedes helped establish a hairdressing training centre within the safehouse grounds and is currently working as a hairdressing skills trainer.
Mekedes’ story showed that it was possible to put a very difficult life behind her. To read more about her story and our safehouses, please visit our .
To find out more about our work supporting women and girls, please follow this .
Thank you, for helping make our first ever Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 Appeal such a success and for helping women and girls like Mekedes.
Listen again
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Ethiopiaid Jane Garvey presents the Radio 4 Appeal, 17 Oct 2021