Meet Rehimush Jemal, a resilient young woman from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, who embodies the strength and determination of migrant returnees. Rehimush faced numerous challenges upon her return home. Despite her efforts to earn money abroad and support her family, she found that the resources she sent were often wasted, leaving her family in a precarious situation. Additionally, Rehimush struggled to find stable employment due to a lack of both hard and soft skills, which further strained her ability to provide for her children’s education. The stigma associated with being a returnee also weighed heavily on her, undermining her self-confidence and making it difficult for her to reintegrate into her community.
One day, a neighbor shared information about an initiative specifically designed for women migrant returnees. Interested, Rehimush understood that the project aimed to empower migrant women returnees like her through skills training and support. After undergoing a thorough verification process conducted by DEC and local government officials, Rehimush was included into the initiative as project participant.
The training she received proved to be a turning point in her life. Rehimush described it as a transformative experience that revived her hope for a new journey. “It flourished my hope for a new life journey,” she said. The program not only helped her build self-confidence but also allowed her to discover her own potential. She gained essential skills in communication, learned how to initiate a business with limited resources and guided in setting a vision for her future.
Recognizing the importance of vocational training in achieving her goals, Rehimush decided to pursue hairdressing and makeup skills at Nefas Polytechnic College. This decision aligned with her personal development goals and provided her with the hard skills necessary to succeed in the beauty industry.
With graduation on the possibility, Rehimush envisions starting her own business in hairdressing and makeup. More than just a means of income, she hopes to become an influential figure in her community, inspiring other women who may face similar challenges. Through perseverance and the support of initiatives aimed at empowering migrant women returnees, Rehimush Jemal is on the path to a brighter future, ready to make a difference in her life and the lives of those around her.
