Empowering Women: The Inspiring Journey behind the establishment of Ethio-Eritrean Women Support Organization
In the heart of the DMV (Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia) area, a powerful movement is taking shape, led by three visionary women determined to uplift Ethiopian and Eritrean women facing unique challenges. The Ethio-Eritrean Women Support Organization (EEWSO), founded in March 2024, emerged from the personal stories, struggles, and successes of its founders, each of whom was driven by a deep desire to support women in need.
The Spark of Compassion: How Aden Began Helping Women
For Aden, helping others has always been a part of her life, a passion that began in her home country of Ethiopia and continued after she moved to the United States. One particular encounter in a courthouse marked a turning point in her journey. While following up on her own personal legal matters, Aden encountered a distraught woman whose children had been taken away by her husband because she didn’t have a lawyer. Aden, in the midst of her own divorce, could deeply relate to the woman’s plight. Though she couldn’t offer immediate help, she took it upon herself to research and connect the woman with a pro-bono lawyer. Over time, the woman regained custody of her children, became financially independent, and rebuilt her life.
This experience was just one of many in which Aden helped women regain control of their lives. It was also where she met BirtucanAssres, a fellow advocate for women’s rights, who would soon become a key partner in the creation of EEWSO.
Birtukan’s Path to Empowerment
Birtukan’s story of resilience began in 2011 when she moved to the United States with her two children, seeking asylum. Without much knowledge of the American system, she had to start from scratch, building a new life for herself and her children. By 2013, Birtucanfound a job with Montgomery County and began connecting with different communities, noticing the overwhelming challenges women faced in the area. Although information about immigration status was accessible, there was a lack of support for women navigating these complex issues.
Birtucanstarted privately helping women, sharing resources and information about the available services. It was during this time that she met Aden, who was working in the financial industry. Though not a lawyer, Aden offered invaluable support by consulting women based on her own personal experiences. Together, they realized they could achieve so much more if they formalized their efforts, leading to the birth of the idea for EEWSO.
Meaza’s Commitment to Serving Others
For Meaza, the desire to help others began during her childhood in Ethiopia, where she worked with visually impaired students, narrating lessons and supporting their educational needs. After high school, she officially volunteered with the Ethiopian National Association for the Blind, where she gained more experience advocating for those in need.
When Meaza moved to Las Vegas in 2018, she continued her service through her local church, offering rides to women without transportation. This act led her to connect with more women in need, prompting her to seek out resources to help them. Her journey would soon cross paths with Birtucanand Aden, solidifying their mission to support Ethiopian and Eritrean women.
The Formation of the Ethio-Eritrean Women Support Organization
The shared passion among Aden, Birtukan, and Meaza for helping women in need finally took shape when they founded the Ethio-Eritrean Women Support Organization in March 2024. The organization’s mission is clear: to address the specific challenges faced by Ethiopian and Eritrean women in the United States.
While many communities have support organizations, Ethiopian and Eritrean women were often left without a dedicated network to turn to for help. This realization became the driving force behind EEWSO, which focuses on providing assistance in areas such as cultural integration, legal and emotional support, financial independence, and education.
Challenges Faced by Ethiopian and Eritrean Women
The challenges for Ethiopian and Eritrean women are manifold. From cultural shock and language barriers to domestic violence, limited financial means, and child care burdens, these women often find themselves isolated and unsupported in an unfamiliar system. Many face the additional challenge of being financially dependent on their husbands, which can result in prolonged domestic abuse, lack of independence, and difficulties in navigating the legal and social systems in the U.S.
The lack of proper knowledge about their rights and responsibilities, compounded by limited access to necessary resources, makes it even harder for these women to break free from these constraints. The organization’s goal is to empower these women, providing them with the resources, knowledge, and support they need to regain their independence.
Supporting Women in Need: How EEWSO is Making a Difference
The Ethio-Eritrean Women Support Organization seeks to provide a holistic approach to helping women overcome these challenges. The founders believe that empowering women—financially and emotionally—will create a healthier and more successful community. By focusing on support, education, and access to resources, EEWSO envisions a future where Ethiopian and Eritrean women are strong, independent, and thriving.
Collaborations and Future Goals
The founders of EEWSO recognize that they can’t do it alone. That’s why they have formed partnerships with organizations such as SPARK, which will assist with training, and Konjo Creation, which will provide women with valuable skills in furniture remodeling. These collaborations will help expand the support offered by EEWSO and empower more women to become financially independent and self-sufficient.
Looking to the future, the founders hope to expand EEWSO’s reach beyond the DMV area, with plans to support Ethiopian and Eritrean women across the country. With a vision for a future where women are economically independent, knowledgeable, and fulfilled, they aim to create a lasting impact for generations to come.
A Call for Support
As the organization grows, the founders are calling on the community to support their mission. Memberships, donations, and volunteering will be key to providing the necessary resources for women in need. Financial assistance will be given based on the severity of each woman’s challenges, with training programs available for those who need help in other areas.
EEWSO is just beginning, but its founders have big dreams. They aspire to see independent, confident women who are able to thrive in the United States, free from the burdens that have held them back for too long. The organization’s motto—“We shall win!”—captures their determination to build a stronger, more supportive community for women everywhere.
Join the Movement
The Ethio-Eritrean Women Support Organization is more than just a charity; it’s a movement. A movement to empower women, build a community of support, and create lasting change for Ethiopian and Eritrean women in the U.S. Whether you’re a woman in need of support or someone looking to help, EEWSO is here to stand by you.
Visit our website to learn more about how you can get involved, whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word. Together, we can make a difference and help women overcome the obstacles they face, one step at a time.
We shall win!