For years, Dahab Hashi Aden carried the responsibility of raising seven children alone. Living in Kunka kebele of Gode district in Ethiopia’s Somali Region, Dahab was the sole provider for her family. Although she could not read or write, she always dreamed of running her own business and creating a better future for her children.
“I always wanted to become a businesswoman,” she recalled.
Determined to succeed, Dahab started a small commodity shop. But without enough capital and with high transportation costs between Gode town and her village, the business struggled. She sought help from relatives, hoping to borrow money to keep her shop running, but no one was able to assist. With no other option, she turned to selling camel milk.
Dahab Hashi managing her business
Every day, Dahab walked nearly three hours carrying 10 liters of milk to Gode town and back. The work was exhausting, especially during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
“That was the most difficult journey of my life,” she says. “I still have pain in my foot because of the long walks and heavy loads.”
Despite her hard work, the income was barely enough to survive. On a good day, she earned about 50 Ethiopian Birr (less than $0.50). Some days she earned nothing at all. Feeding seven children, buying clothes, and covering school expenses became an impossible challenge.
“When I had nothing to feed my children, I was ashamed to look into their eyes,” she said quietly. “Sometimes they went to bed hungry, and I stayed awake all night worrying about what they would eat the next day.”
The struggle took a painful toll on her family. When her fifth child was only 18 months old, he became severely malnourished. Dahab did everything she could to save him. She bought eggs and milk whenever possible. Sometimes, she was faced with the impossible choice of leaving less for her other children to try to keep him alive.
“As a mother, I felt like I had failed,” she said, tears filling her eyes. “But I could not watch my child die.”
Without money for transportation, she carried her sick son to reach the nearest health facility a 90-minute walk away. He was admitted for treatment and stayed there for five days. Though relieved that his life was saved, she could not stop worrying about the children she had left behind at home.
“When I returned and saw them hungry, I cried,” she remembered. “I felt helpless.”
Her children’s education suffered as well. Unable to afford school uniforms and supplies, they often missed school or dropped out temporarily.
“When they saw other children going to school, they became sad,” Dahab said. “I felt like I was stealing their future.”
Just when Dahab was beginning to lose hope, an opportunity arrived in March 2026. That was when Dahab heard about a Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) established in her community through Action Against Hunger’s “SheCanManage: Empowering Women to Build Economic Resilience” project, funded by the Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND).
Dahab and other VSLA members attend a capacity-building training organized by Action Against Hunger.
“When I heard about the association, I wanted to be the first person to register,” she said with a smile. “I knew this was my chance.”
After joining the VSLA, Dahab received training on financial literacy, business management, savings, and loans. Armed with new knowledge and confidence, she took a loan of USD 125 and reopened her commodity shop. Within just one month, she generated a profit of USD 119.
“I always knew I could succeed,” she said proudly. “What I lacked was the business knowledge and access to money.”
The first thing she bought was school uniforms and supplies for her children. Today, all of them attend school regularly. For the first time, they talk about their dreams and future careers.
“They are happy now,” she said. “They tell me what they want to become when they grow up.”
The change goes beyond income. For Dahab, financial inclusion has brought confidence and hope. She plans to expand her business and build a house for her family.
“Financial security is power,” she said. “Now I feel like I control my future.”
Dahab and other VSLA members discuss their businesses.
Dahab is one of 200 women participating in ten Village Savings and Loan Associations established through the project. Together, members have already saved more than $3,500 and are investing in small businesses such as livestock fattening, petty trade, and produce sales. Beyond savings and loans, women receive training on financial literacy, gender equality, and business development, while also gaining access to formal financial services through digital cash accounts.
