GHNI provides a “hand up” rather than a “hand out”. For almost 25 years, Global Hope Network International (GHNI) has worked to end extreme poverty and empower people in remote regions of the world by training communities in sustainable development through our Transformational Community Development (TCD) programs. A crucial part of this effort is the establishment of Women’s Empowerment Centers (WECs), which create lasting, multiplier impacts. Led by an experienced international team, managed by local field workers, these centers provide skills training, business mentorship and equipment for startup businesses to create income generating livelihoods.

At GHNI, we believe every community has unique strengths, resources, and potential, which is why we make a 3 – 5 year commitment of support to ensure transformational success. As of 2023, our projects have positively impacted over 115,000 villagers in the 30 countries. 

Description of Program

The Women’s Empowerment Centers (WECs) empower women by providing practical business skills and training to help them manage their own businesses.

Additionally, WECs provide free daycare for mothers enrolled in our training program – so they can focus on the development of their skills, and their children can receive much needed educational classroom experience. Through this holistic approach, the women achieve financial independence, which will improve their quality of life and contribute positively to their communities.

Take a look at Addis Ababa in Ethiopia 

We have established a WEC in the city of Addis Ababa where 56% households are single-mother families and the city has been overrun with 100’s of thousands of refugees. Our center not only offers vocational training in fields like hairdressing and tailoring, but life skills on parenting, nutrition and healthcare. We also provide trauma support. 

Additionally, The Hub provides childcare and educational programs for children aged 3 to 14. Currently, 28 mothers and 21 children are part of the center, and the center also includes an urban vertical garden to supply vegetables for their meals, which was created by the women themselves. 

Scope of the challenge: Ethiopia hosts over 823,000 refugees and 4.2 million internally displaced persons, facing significant socio-cultural and economic challenges. 

Multiplying Hope

We currently have WECs in India, Ethiopia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Togo, Sudan, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Serbia, Jordan, Egypt, Pakistan, Cameroon, Turkey, and Afghanistan. These centers are led, developed, and maintained by passionate and highly dedicated local leaders driven by compassion and more than 175 volunteers and partners. 

Would you consider supporting our 17 Women’s Empowerment Centers?

Budget: The average cost for our 17 centers is $26,500 annually. This includes: staffing, supplies, rent space, food, materials, transportation, financial loans.  TOTAL: $450,500