At just 22 years old, Adanech Amare is challenging assumptions and setting a powerful example for young women with disabilities in Ethiopia. Living with a physical impairment, Adanech completed grade 10 but was unable to continue her education due to financial constraints. She returned to her family’s rural home, where limited opportunities and societal barriers often leave young women, especially those with disabilities, feeling invisible. Yet, she never allowed them to define her potential. Instead, she saw opportunity where others saw limitation.
Her journey took a transformative turn when she enrolled in a short-term computer skills training at Bishoftu TVET College. The training was part of the larger capacity-building efforts supported by the Promoting Rights and Inclusion for Disability Empowerment (PRIDE) project, implemented by the Ethiopian Center for Disability and Development (ECDD) with support from USAID.
From the start, Adanech approached the training with quiet determination and unwavering commitment. Her instructors and peers quickly noticed her strong work ethic, focus, and adaptability. She was not just keeping up—she was excelling. By the end of the program, Adanech ranked among the top scorers in the nationally recognized Certificate of Conformity (CoC) assessment—an achievement that not only boosted her confidence but also opened doors for her future.
Recognizing her potential, the PRIDE project didn’t stop at training. Through a holistic support package that combined technical and financial support, the project helped Adanech and a group of other graduates with disabilities to launch an Income Generating Activity (IGA). In close collaboration with Bishoftu TVET College and the local authorities, the group received the necessary startup resources and was granted access to a centrally located workspace—a critical component for ensuring visibility and access to customers.
Now, Adanech is turning her computer skills into a budding enterprise. Whether it’s data entry, desktop publishing, or digital documentation, her business is gaining attention for its quality and professionalism. What once started as a short training opportunity has now become a launchpad for self-reliance and innovation.
Her success is a testament to what’s possible when inclusive development projects are designed with intentionality, sustainability, and respect for the agency of persons with disabilities. With passion and purpose, Adanech is not only building a livelihood—she’s redefining what it means to be empowered.