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Case study Summaries

Case Study: Northern Ethiopia, August 2023
Between 2022 and 2023, 200 women, victims of sexual exploitation and sex work, received aid through individual donations in Northern, Ethiopia. Their age distribution was as follows:

Recently, we interviewed 80 of these women. Among them, 47 have achieved independence, now capable of affording basic necessities like rent, food and children’s expenses using the initial donated capital. 30 women used the donated capital for emergencies, like hospital fees and essential family needs, discontinuing their involvement in sex work. However, three women remain engaged in this line of work. Our interviews highlight the critical need for comprehensive support, encompassing psychological and financial aid, to help rape survivors and sex workers regain stability. Discussions also revealed feasible job opportunities such as setting up vegetable stalls, operating portable fruit shops, traditional injera baking, producing and selling Tela (fermented drinks), photography, wedding planning, printing services and establishing corner coffee and tea shops. This case study illustrates the need to integrate education, skill development and entrepreneurial opportunities to support these individuals, enabling them to become independent.