During the fall training season, the Ethio-Eritrean Women Support Organization successfully conducted its first round of capacity-building trainings over an eight-week period, from October 2, 2025, to November 6, 2025. These trainings were designed to empower women by addressing key areas that impact their personal, family, and professional lives. The sessions were delivered virtually through Zoom meetings, allowing broad participation and accessibility for women from different locations. Each session was well attended, demonstrating a strong interest in learning, self-improvement, and community engagement among participants.
The training program was organized around several core themes, including self-care, parenting and co-parenting, mental health, financial literacy, and job readiness. These topics were selected intentionally to reflect the real-life challenges and needs of women in the Ethio-Eritrean diaspora. The comprehensive nature of the training ensured that participants gained practical knowledge and tools that could be applied immediately in their daily lives. The sessions were interactive, informative, and structured to encourage dialogue, reflection, and shared learning.
The trainings were facilitated by a team of five trainers, supported by a dedicated group of highly qualified professionals and volunteers who worked behind the scenes. This team played a crucial role in developing the training content, coordinating logistics, and ensuring smooth delivery of each session. The trainers brought together research-based knowledge and real-world experience, allowing participants to benefit from both theory and practice. Over the course of five consecutive Thursdays, the trainers shared insights, strategies, and guidance that reflected their professional expertise and commitment to community development.
Self-Care Training Session
The first training session focused on self-care, emphasizing its importance as the foundation for overall well-being. The session explored the purpose, strategies, types, and challenges of self-care, helping participants understand that caring for oneself is not a luxury but a necessity. The training concluded with a key message: self-care enables individuals to become better caregivers, parents, workers, and community members. Participants were encouraged to recognize that neglecting self-care can lead to burnout, stress, and reduced effectiveness in other areas of life.
A significant point addressed during the session was the misconception that self-care requires significant time, money, or effort. For women who feel overwhelmed by responsibilities, the training clarified that self-care can be simple and accessible. Examples included taking deep breaths, stretching for a few minutes, or drinking a glass of water mindfully. These small practices were presented as powerful tools for reducing stress and increasing awareness. The training also discussed broader self-care practices such as healthy eating, physical activity, maintaining good hygiene, and avoiding risky behaviors. Participants learned that although self-care requires intentional effort, the benefits far outweigh the investment.
The session also introduced practical ways to track self-care routines. Participants were shown how to use simple tools, such as daily charts or graphs, to monitor habits starting in the morning and continuing throughout the day. This approach helped participants visualize their progress and remain accountable, reinforcing the idea that consistency is key in building sustainable self-care practices.
Financial Literacy Training
The finance training session was facilitated by a well-known financial coach in the DMV area, Coach Abinet Tessema, who brought over 15 years of experience in commerce and financial coaching. His session focused on empowering women with practical financial knowledge and encouraging economic independence. One of the most impactful messages of this training was the idea that women, including those who stay at home, can utilize even limited spare time to generate income.
Coach Tessema discussed various ways women could explore income-generating activities based on their skills, interests, and available time. He emphasized the importance of viewing time as a valuable resource and encouraged participants to think creatively about financial opportunities. The session helped demystify financial concepts and motivated participants to take small but meaningful steps toward financial stability and independence.
Mental Health and Well-Being Training
The mental health training focused on overall well-being and the ability to cope effectively with the stresses of daily life. The session highlighted that mental health is essential for productivity, personal fulfillment, and meaningful contribution to the community. A key message of the training was that experiencing mental health challenges is not a sign of weakness or failure. Instead, it is a common human experience, and seeking help when needed should be viewed as a strength.
The training addressed common myths and misconceptions surrounding mental health, helping participants distinguish between facts and misinformation. By clarifying these misunderstandings, the session aimed to reduce stigma and encourage open conversations about mental health. Participants were introduced to the concept that mental health is closely connected to lifestyle choices. Healthy sleep patterns, balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and social interaction were presented as essential components of mental well-being.
The session also acknowledged that stress is one of the major challenges faced by women in the diaspora. Participants learned to recognize early signs and symptoms of mental health concerns and were introduced to coping strategies for managing stress. Through awareness, education, and practical guidance, the training empowered participants to prioritize their mental health and seek support when necessary.
Job Readiness Training
The job readiness training addressed the unique challenges faced by women returning to the workforce after career breaks. Topics such as rebuilding confidence, adapting to new work environments, and managing transitions were discussed in depth. Communication skills were highlighted as a critical factor in professional success, both in the workplace and during the job search process.
The training covered essential job readiness skills, including resume preparation, interview readiness, time management, teamwork, and collaboration. In recognition of today’s digital workplace, the importance of digital literacy was emphasized. Participants were encouraged to develop basic technological skills and to leverage digital tools for job searching, communication, and professional growth. Networking was also discussed as a vital strategy for accessing opportunities and building professional relationships.
Parenting and Discipline Training
The five-week training series concluded with a session on parenting and disciplining children. This training provided parents with a guide to age-appropriate discipline and emphasized that effective discipline is rooted in consistency and structure. Participants learned that clear boundaries and predictable expectations are essential for positive outcomes in children’s behavior.
While acknowledging that disciplining children is one of the most challenging aspects of parenting, the training reassured parents that discipline becomes more manageable once limits are clearly defined and appropriate strategies are understood. Parents were encouraged to keep expectations reasonable and aligned with their children’s developmental stages. A year-by-year guide was provided for children ages one through five, helping parents understand what behaviors are developmentally appropriate and how to respond effectively.
Participation and Future Plans
Each training session was attended by an average of 20 to 22 participants. The sessions were lively and engaging, characterized by active participation, reflections, discussions, and feedback. Participants shared personal experiences that enriched the learning process and helped connect theoretical concepts to real-life situations. The discussions were vibrant and often extended beyond the planned topics, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.
The exchange of ideas during the sessions inspired some participants to explore volunteering and philanthropic initiatives, further strengthening community engagement. The atmosphere throughout the training series was supportive, interactive, and uplifting. Participants reported that the sessions were not only educational but also enjoyable and empowering.
The next round of training is scheduled to take place from January 15, 2025, to April 2, 2026. The sessions will continue to be held on Thursdays from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Building on the success of the fall training season, the Ethio-Eritrean Women Support Organization aims to continue providing meaningful, relevant, and impactful learning opportunities for women in the community. The winter training season starts on Thursday, January 15, same time.