In the picturesque setting of Gimbichu, where lush green landscapes are dotted with hand-hewn homes and playful children, a group of remarkable women are transforming their lives.

These women in SHE mean business — and they have a story to tell!

The Spark of an Idea

Sparked by the need for readily available injera, a staple food in Ethiopian celebrations, these SHE team members have embarked on a journey that is filling stomachs and fueling economic independence.

Thanks to the generous support of donors, 60 women in Gimbichu are equipped with the tools and knowledge to launch their “Injera Cooking” business. The aroma of freshly baked injera fills the air as women gather around electric and wood-burning mitads (injera cooking stoves), their energy filling the space with excitement.

These hard-working women have set out to improve their lives, together.

Preparing injera for a local wedding

Women in Action

Worke, chair of the Sira Belimat Self-Help Entrepreneur (SHE) group, says with gratitude and excitement, “As a member and leader, I am lucky and happy to be involved in this new Injera project. All 20 women in our group are motivated to deliver the dream we have imagined, planned for, and are now delivering in our beautiful town.”

The plan for this business took many months, followed by careful preparation for the work schedule, collection of materials, and the location of their shared kitchen. Like many good things, it was worth the time and the effort!

An order is ready for delivery from these hard working moms in SHE

Measuring the Impact

The impact of the Injera Cooking Project is evident in the numbers. In just 15 days, one group sold about 700 injera. The profit for them was approximately $148 USD in just two weeks! The success is replicated across all three SHE groups, who are diligently following a carefully prepared manual and bylaws created in collaboration with local leaders.

Collaboration and Innovation

Beyond the financial gains, the spirit of collaboration and innovation is inspiring. The women have organized a rotational work system, with five women managing daily orders. Selamawit, another participant, shares, “We did good advertising. We even have extra orders from different events like birthdays. And we are working on a restaurant order. The work is making us more motivated.”

As the Injera Cooking business continues to thrive, the future is bright with possibilities for these 60 women. Increased profits allow them to better support their families. The women are also honing their business skills as they manage complex operations and are out in the community as business women on a mission to succeed.

Injera Cooking on both wood fire stoves and electric mitads

The Power of Your Support

This Injera Cooking project is just one example of the power of unwavering support and generosity from Roots Ethiopia supporters. By investing in the dreams and aspirations of these women in Gimbichu, lives are changed. The Injera Cooking business serves as a testament to the incredible potential that lies within each woman, waiting to be realized with the right resources and opportunities.

As the aroma of freshly baked injera continues to waft through the air in Gimbichu, it carries with it the promise of a brighter future – one where women are not only nourishing their families but also feeding their own dreams of independence and success.

Love this story? Please share it with your friends and family. And check out our ways to give page to be part of successes like this Injera Cooking Project!