TDA NL helps SGBV Survivors in Mekelle get back on their feet

Mekelle, Tigray – Vereniging Tigrai Development Association in Nederland (TDA NL) has successfully implemented a transformative project providing a lifeline to women survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Mekelle, Tigray.

Economic Independence Through Bakery and Poultry Farming

The project, titled “Empowering 12 Women Survivors of SGBV in Mekelle City,” focused on restoring livelihoods decimated by the Tigray conflict (p. 3). With an estimated budget of ETB 1,769,704.80 funded by TDA-Holland, the initiative successfully established:

• Poultry Farming Enterprises: Six survivors were trained and equipped to manage poultry businesses.
• Bakery Enterprises: Six survivors received specialized training and equipment, including industrial ovens and dough machines, to launch bakery businesses.

A Holistic Approach to Recovery

Recognizing that economic aid alone is insufficient for recovery from trauma, the project provided a comprehensive support package:

• Psychosocial Support: Survivors received trauma-informed counseling and joined support groups to address the emotional impact of their experiences.
• Skill Development: Beyond technical training, the women were schooled in entrepreneurship and business management to ensure long-term success.
• Resource Provision: The project supplied essential “seed capital,” including livestock, feed, and baking machinery, while the Mekelle Municipal City Administration pledged designated workspaces.

Lasting Impact

The project has directly benefited 12 women and their 43 children, totaling 55 household members. By fostering financial independence and reducing the social stigma surrounding SGBV through community engagement, TDA and TDA-Holland have created a sustainable model for rebuilding lives in post-conflict Tigray.

This successful collaboration shows how local, targeted support can truly restore dignity and security for those hardest hit by the crisis.

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