She Didn’t Wait for Opportunity; She Invested in It

Halima Hummed Sowalih, 35 years old, is among the female program participants who were engaged in 2024. Halima has raised her two children on her own for the past ten years in Teaboy Kebele, Chifra Woreda, Afar Region, after separating from her husband. Living with a leg disability and as a single mother, she faced significant challenges, including financial hardship, social pressure, and the struggle to provide for her children’s basic needs.

Here is her story:

Halima Hummed Sowalih, with her goats at her compound, Teaboy kebele, Chifra woreda, Afar Region, Sept. 19, 2026

In our area, most Afar girls can study only up to Grade 6. To continue their education, they must move elsewhere, but this is often not allowed for girls. As a result, many marry at an early age. Since they do not have enough education to find employment, many remain at home.

Before the MaYEA Program arrived, women like me had little motivation to leave our homes or explore new opportunities. Raising children alone puts you under great pressure. I borrowed money and started selling chickpea flour, salt, and berbere to cover my household expenses. I had no knowledge or skills to do other types of work, and I did not know what business opportunities were available to me. Says, Halima.

When the MaYEA Program, implemented by the Population Health and Environment Ethiopia Consortium supported by the Mastercard Foundation, led by ORDA Ethiopia, was introduced through the association for persons with disabilities established by ORDA Ethiopia, she initially thought it would assist with items such as flour and cooking oil. Instead, she received livelihood training.

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