In the face of conflict, displacement, and unimaginable hardship, women like Hayat and Abrihet continue to demonstrate extraordinary resilience. Forced to flee their homes and livelihoods, they endure the unthinkable while striving to protect their families. These powerful stories of survival, supported by ActionAid’s unwavering commitment to their rights and well-being, reveal not only the strength of these women but also the critical role of humanitarian aid in helping them rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
Hayat’s Journey: A Returnee’s Struggle
Hayat Tekele, a 35-year-old mother of four, had been living in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, for over ten years, where she and her husband ran a small business. When conflict erupted in Sudan, Hayat was heavily pregnant. With no access to healthcare, she was forced to give birth at home, relying solely on her sister’s help. Just 18 days after giving birth, Hayat and her family were forced to flee the war-torn area, embarking on an arduous journey to Ethiopia. She shared:
“The journey was full of challenges. I lost all my money, my cellphone, and other belongings. On top of that, my children and I endured psychological abuse.”
Upon arriving in Ethiopia, Hayat received emergency cash support from ActionAid Ethiopia to cope with the challenges she faced. With 7,000 ETB (approximately $63.27), she was able to feed her children and ensure their safe travel to reunite with her extended family.
Hayat expressed deep gratitude for the prompt and compassionate assistance she received at the Metema border, particularly as a mother with young children.
“I’m so happy and grateful to ActionAid Ethiopia for this support.”
Abrehet’s Struggle: A Widow’s Fight for Survival
Abrehet, a 60-year-old widow, lives in Hawelti Kebele in Tigray, where she heads a household of five. Three of her children attend school, though their educational journey has been difficult. Her youngest daughter, a third-grader, endures a six-hour round-trip daily walk to attend school in Mehoni town, 9.3 miles away.
Abrehet’s life has been filled with hardship. In 1997, she fled to Sudan to escape drought, giving birth to two sons while living as a refugee. Twelve years ago, she returned to Ethiopia with her husband and children, and they were granted 2.5 acres of land to farm. However, after her husband’s death, her stepson claimed half of the land, leaving her with only half a hectare to sustain her family. War, locusts, and other challenges have further devastated her crop yields, leaving her with almost nothing. She shared:
“Now, we live on aid, and this really diminishes your hope in life. Sometimes, we all go to bed hungry because we have no other choice.”
ActionAid Ethiopia stepped in to support Abrehet with food and cash assistance to help sustain her family. She expressed her gratitude:
“I have no words to express my thankfulness because my family and I were starving before ActionAid reached us.”
Despite the challenges, Abrehet remains hopeful. She dreams of receiving long-term support, such as livestock, to help rebuild her livelihood.
ActionAid’s Ongoing Commitment
Both Hayat and Abrehet’s stories highlight the resilience of women facing unimaginable hardships and underscore humanitarian aid’s vital role in their survival. ActionAid continues to provide critical support, enabling these women to navigate crises and build resilience. We remain committed to supporting and protecting the rights of women during times of crisis, ensuring that they not only survive but also have the opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope for the future.
