After some time out of the country, Tigist returned to Addis Ababa, excited about the possibilities ahead. However, she quickly realized that finding a job was much harder than she had anticipated. The city felt different and opportunities seemed scarce. This reality weighed heavily on her, and thought of migrating again crossed her mind.
Just when she felt lost, a friend told her about a project designed to empower people like her. Hopeful, Tigist decided to join the project entitled empowerment of migrant women returnees and women migrant workers that implemented by Development Expertise Center DEC in collaboration with UN Women. This initiative offered essential soft skills training that changed her outlook on migration and employment. During the training, Tigist learned valuable skills that rebuilt her confidence. She improved her communication abilities, mastered time management, and discovered effective job-search techniques. Interview preparation helped her practice common questions, while self-presentation taught her how to dress and present herself professionally. Negotiation skills empowered her to advocate for herself in job settings, and lessons on work ethics emphasized the importance of dedication and integrity.
With each training session, Tigist felt more determined and hopeful. She realized that while migration was one option, there were also opportunities at home if she was willing to pursue them. Just a week after completing the training, Tigist landed a job as the chef at a standard hotel in Addis Ababa. The sense of achievement was awesome, reinforcing her belief that change was possible.
As she adjusted to her new role, Tigist felt empowered not just by her job but also by the knowledge that she had transformed her life through resilience and education. Inspired by her journey, she began advocating for others facing similar challenges, sharing her story and encouraging them to seek opportunities for growth at home. In doing so, Tigist not only changed her own narrative but also inspired those around her to believe in a brighter future in Ethiopia.
