From skills to soap to self-reliance
Partnerships in Ethiopia are building healthier communities and empowering women entrepreneurs.
In Debub Wasegbeta Kebele in Ethiopia’s Misha District, access to affordable hygiene products was once limited. Soap, a basic necessity for preventing disease, was often unavailable or too costly for many families. For women like Ms. Belaynesh Lalenengo, a single mother of seven, this meant balancing health concerns at home with very limited opportunities to earn income.
Photo: Women in Debub Wasegbeta Kebele are producing and selling liquid soap, strengthening household hygiene and generating income through a locally led enterprise.
Sustainable change began with knowledge and skills.
Through guidance from the Centre for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology (CAWST), the Ethiopian Kale Heywet Church Humanitarian Aid Development Commission strengthened its ability to deliver practical water, sanitation, and hygiene solutions in the community. CAWST provided training, educational resources, and ongoing advisory support to help local leaders design and implement sustainable hygiene initiatives.
Women in the community are trained in soap production and the promotion of hygiene products . They received hands-on instruction, business skills development, and start-up materials to establish locally operated soap production groups.
Today, Belaynesh is a licensed entrepreneur. She has produced more than 1,300 litres of liquid soap, generating income to support her children while helping improve hygiene access for hundreds of families in her Kebele.
Across three districts, 64 women are now trained, and more than 12,000 litres of liquid soap have been produced. The initiative has increased local availability of hygiene products, created reliable income opportunities, and strengthened women’s leadership within their communities.
This reflects CAWST’s core approach. By building the capacity of local organizations through technical expertise, training, and practical tools, CAWST helps communities co-develop solutions with local partners, so the impact multiplies.
Photo: Women-led WASH for Healthy Homes is an initiative in Ethiopia that empowers local actors to raise awareness and promote improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices, strengthening health and well-being in their communities.
When women gain skills and opportunity, entire communities thrive.
Give today to help equip women in Ethiopia and around the world with the knowledge and resources they need to build healthier, stronger communities.
