Aynalem, with her kind smile, is now a proud businesswoman and mother to three children: two daughters (11 and 16) and a son (5). Her journey has been one of resilience and courage.

Before joining the program, Aynalem faced unemployment and took on work washing clothes door-to-door. Today, she runs a thriving injera-making business, using a large red injera maker she purchased with her savings. Customers pre-order bread and snacks from her, ensuring consistent success.

Aynalem shared that the program gave her the strength to care for her children, taught her valuable money-saving techniques, and gave her the freedom to be present for her family. Her children, once ashamed of their struggles, are now proud of their mother’s achievements. She has saved 15,000 birr, even after spending 9,000 birr on her injera oven.

Passionate about empowering others, Aynalem has joined a savings group of ten women and advocates for literacy programs and domestic violence education. The government has even invited her to speak to other women about overcoming adversity, a role she embraces with passion and pride.