At the heart of the Ethio-Eritrean Women’s Support Organization (EEWSO) lies a powerful mission: to empower Ethiopian and Eritrean women in the DMV area by removing barriers to success—whether financial, social, educational, or related to health and wellness. The Capacity Building Unit of EEWSO is bringing that mission to life through a series of interactive training sessions, designed to strengthen individuals, families, and the larger community.
This fall, EEWSO is launching weekly trainings on four core pillars:
- Parenting & Co-Parenting
- Job Readiness
- Mental Health
- Self-Care
Each session is crafted with the specific realities of the Ethiopian and Eritrean immigrant experience in mind. Rooted in lived experiences, professional insight, and cultural understanding, the trainings will be conducted once a week, via Zoom, and last approximately one hour. The format is interactive—more like a conversation or group counseling session—intended to foster trust, connection, and actionable learning.
The goal is simple yet powerful:
To equip women with the knowledge and emotional strength to create healthy families, navigate systems with confidence, and build a better future—for themselves and the next generation.
Mental health, Parenting, Self-care and Job readiness
Mental Health: Breaking the Silence, Building Resilience
Mental health is a critical, often overlooked topic in the Ethio-Eritrean community. Too often, issues like depression, anxiety, or even more serious conditions like schizophrenia are dismissed or misjudged:
“She’s just mad,” someone might say—but without understanding, support, or care.
These trainings aim to challenge those misconceptions by asking important questions:
- What is mental health?
- What do scientific studies and national guidelines (like those from the APA) say?
- How can we identify mental health issues early, and what kind of support is available?
We’ll talk about stress management, anxiety, depression, sleep, diet, and the role of social connection. We’ll also discuss how the politics of the U.S. or countries of origin can psychologically and spiritually impact immigrants—and what can be done to protect one’s mental well-being.
Above all, we want women to walk away with this message:
– It’s okay to ask for help.
– Your mind matters.
Parenting & Co-Parenting: Raising Strong Families
Parenting in a new country comes with unique challenges. In these sessions, we’ll discuss:
- What does healthy parenting look like?
- What is the reality of co-parenting after divorce?
- How do we manage child behavior, set realistic expectations, and build emotionally safe homes?
We’ll also explore:
- How to separate safely—financially and emotionally
- How to create parenting plans that work for both parents and children
- How to support children in dual-culture households
Parenting is one of the most important responsibilities in life—and these conversations will empower women (and families) to do it with more confidence and clarity.
Self-Care: A Cultural Shift toward Wellness
In many East African communities, the idea of self-care is rarely talked about. But to be a good mother, daughter, sister, or leader—you must take care of yourself first.
This training focuses on:
- Forgiveness and self-compassion
- Personal hygiene and daily wellness
- Setting emotional boundaries
- Learning how to say “no”—especially in a culture where saying “yes” is often expected
Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s a foundation for mental health, healthy parenting, and long-term resilience.
Job Readiness: Preparing for Independence
While parenting and mental health are the main focus areas, job readiness will also be addressed. For many immigrant women, navigating the job market in the U.S. can feel overwhelming. These sessions will help participants:
- Identify their transferable skills
- Understand how to access training or certification programs
- Learn about job search resources and how to build a career path
Experienced professionals and volunteers who understand both the job market and the cultural background of attendees will help bridge the gap.
Final Note: It All Begins With One Hour a Week
These trainings are more than just sessions—they are a space for healing, growth, and transformation.
Whether you are:
- A single mom trying to juggle everything alone,
- A woman dealing with depression and anxiety,
- A co-parent trying to build peace for your children,
- Or someone who just needs a community to lean on
EEWSO is here for you.
Trainings begin soon!
Once a week, 1 hour, Online via Zoom
Open to all women in the DMV area and beyond
Led by professionals, experienced volunteers & community leaders
Let’s grow together. Let’s heal together.
Let’s build the future—one woman at a time.