Humanist Safe House report from Ethiopia

BY Amara Tesfaye

This comprehensive report provides an in-depth overview of the successful execution and expenditure of funds allocated to secure a 3-bedroom apartment for a Humanist Safe House in Ethiopia, specifically designed to support women who have fled harem culture. The project's primary objective was to provide a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment for these women, empowering them to rebuild their lives.  

Execution of Apartment Securing:

Following a thorough search and negotiation process, we successfully secured a 3-bedroom apartment located in Kolla district, ensuring safety, accessibility, and proximity to essential services. The lease agreement was signed on 3rd September 2024 , committing to a 12-month tenure with the option for renewal. The monthly rent amount of $600 was deemed reasonable, considering the apartment's condition, location, and amenities. 

Procurement of Utilities and Furnishings:

To ensure the apartment was fully functional and comfortable for its residents, we allocated an additional $300 for the purchase of second-hand utilities and furnishings. These essential items included used floor rug and mattresses, kitchen utensils and appliances, living room furniture, bathroom essentials, and lighting and electrical fixtures. The procurement process was efficiently executed on 17th september 2024, with all items sourced from local markets and suppliers.

Expenditure Breakdown:

The total expenditure for this project is detailed below:

The rent for the 12-month lease period amounts to $600, calculated at $50 per month. The expenditure on utilities and furnishings totaled $300. Therefore, the total project expenditure stands at $900.

Challenges and Lessons Learned:

During project execution, we encountered several challenges, including identifying suitable apartments within the allocated budget and coordinating logistics for furniture delivery and setup. Ensuring compliance with local regulations and laws also required diligent attention. These experiences have provided valuable lessons, informing future project planning and execution.

Impact and Benefits:

The secured apartment provides a vital haven for up to 15 women and 9 children fleeing harem culture in Ethiopia. The safe house offers essential amenities for comfortable living, a foundation for counseling, education, and empowerment programs, and opportunities for community building and social integration.

List of women and Children currently living in the house 

Women's Names:

1. Alemework Tesfaye
2. Nigist Getachew
3. Tizita Bekele
4. Yodit Alemu
5. Frehiwot Gebremichael
6. Selamawit Tsegaye
7. Hiwot Emishaw
8. Mahlet Fikre
9. Genet Mulugeta
10. Aster Yilma
11. Woinshet Adane
12. Emebet Mekonnen
13. Zewditu Tadesse
14. Tigist Legesse
15. Meseret Abebe

Children's Names:

1. Natnael Alem (boy)
2. Hanna Getaneh (girl)
3. Abel Mulu (boy)
4. Rahel Tesfaye (girl)
5. Dawit Bekele (boy)
6. Kidist Yilma (girl)
7. Amara Fikre (boy)

8. Betelhem Gebre (girl)
9. Kaleb Tsegaye (boy)

Conclusion:

The successful execution of this project has significantly contributed to supporting women escaping harem culture in Ethiopia. We remain committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the safe house and providing comprehensive support services to its residents.

Recommendations:

To ensure the continued success of this project, we recommend:

1. Expanding services and programs for residents, focusing on education, empowerment, and economic independence.
2. Conducting regular monitoring and evaluation to assess project effectiveness and inform future improvements.