In Ethiopia’s West Hararghe region, daily life is fraught with difficulties. This area, inhabited by both Oromo and Somali communities, is frequently affected by ethnic conflicts and tensions. In 2020, a surge in violence forced many residents to flee their homes, adding to the growing population of internally displaced people. Misra, one of those displaced, found herself seeking safety in Meisso, a town near Ethiopia’s border with Somalia.
While Meisso offered relative security, its unforgiving climate and lack of economic opportunities made survival a constant struggle. To support her family, Misra resorted to smuggling textiles from conflict zones to traders in Meisso. The trade was both dangerous and low-paying, barely covering her family’s basic needs.
“We earned very little, maybe 100 birr (less than £1) for each piece of fabric,” Misra shared. “But it was the only way we could survive.”
The risks of smuggling were especially high for women. Misra often ventured into hazardous areas, exposing herself to violence or the threat of being caught by security forces targeting smugglers. During one particularly harrowing incident, a security guard confiscated her textiles, leaving her in a precarious situation. Returning empty-handed meant facing retaliation from the traders she supplied, while challenging the guard could have resulted in imprisonment, where gender-based violence was a persistent danger.
“I had no choice,” Misra recalled. “I begged the guard and ended up paying him twice what I had earned just to avoid being beaten or jailed.”
For women like Misra, such impossible decisions are a daily reality. Conflict and displacement often leave them vulnerable to exploitation and poverty, making it nearly impossible to find stability. For many, peace and economic security remain distant goals.
However, according to Islamic Relief, Misra’s circumstances improved after she received assistance through the Durable Solutions for Internally Displaced People and Communities project. This initiative supported her and other displaced women in establishing small businesses. With the resources and training provided, Misra opened a grocery shop that now sustains her family and offers hope for the future.
“For the first time, I don’t have to risk my life to earn money,” Misra said. “Our shop is small, but it’s enough to keep us going.”
Islamic Relief emphasizes the importance of empowering vulnerable women, particularly those affected by conflict and displacement. Through its programs, women like Misra can achieve financial independence and rebuild their lives with dignity.
Misra’s journey from a displaced woman to a thriving entrepreneur highlights the resilience of women living in conflict zones. Her story is a powerful reminder of their determination to overcome adversity for the sake of their families.
As part of the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, led by the United Nations, Islamic Relief calls for actionable change to support women like Misra. This year’s campaign theme, Broken Promises, stresses the importance of fulfilling commitments to vulnerable women. Misra’s success story illustrates the transformative power of meaningful support and advocacy for gender equality worldwide.