From Family Duties to Flourishing Enterprise: Bayat's Story

As the youngest of five daughters, Bayat grew up in the rural community of Abadra, where opportunities for education were scarce, especially for girls. At the age of 10, she joined Grade 1 at Abadra Primary School, but her education ended there. Her parents needed her at home to assist her mother, and like her four older sisters, Bayat’s future was shaped by family duties and the rhythms of rural life.

At 17, Bayat's path took another turn when Zemen’s family proposed marriage. After thoughtful discussions, her parents agreed to the union, and the families exchanged letters solidifying the arrangement. Each family gifted a cow as a symbol of support for the newlyweds. Following the ceremony, Bayat and Zemen started married life under the same roof as Zemen’s parents and eight siblings.

A year later, with a small piece of land, a half-hectare gifted by Zemen’s parents and a house of their own, Bayat and Zemen began building a life through farming. Together, they worked tirelessly to cultivate crops and raise livestock, supporting not only themselves but their growing family of four children. Yet, their limited resources meant modest harvests and small-scale livestock ventures.

Despite challenges, Bayat remained resilient and hopeful. Her determination paid off when Project Ethiopia provided her with a 50,000 birr microloan at just 5% interest. With this support, she seized the opportunity to expand her sheep-rearing business. "Now I can fatten eight sheep for the next Easter market," she said with pride, envisioning the brighter future this would bring for her family.

Bayat’s journey, rooted in perseverance and ambition, is far from over. With each new step, she is creating opportunities not only for herself but for her children, who will grow up witnessing the power of hard work, hope, and a helping hand.