WISE :- Organization for Women in Self Employment

04/05/2026

Anna Sangai (TGNP), Masresha Assefa and Genet Tilahun (WISE :- Organization for Women in Self Employment), and Assuntha Fleurant (Centre Haïtien du Leadership et de L’Excellence) spoke to media at the Engage Gathering in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania where project partners and guests gathered to learn, share, and celebrate the culmination of 6.5-years of work in women's empowerment and active citizenship globally.

"We were underestimated, but we learnt to repair water pumps, secured local government contracts, and now earn an income while gaining respect." - Masresha Assefa (Ethiopia)

Read more: https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/news/national/women-turn-resilience-into-economic-power-across-borders-5406314

23/04/2026

Debre Berhan University and WISE signed an MoU for partnership in interventions that promote their community services. The President of the University and the Executive Director of WISE spoke on synergies between the two institutions, of which promoting the ABCD approach is one.

26/03/2026

24/03/2026

This winter, our team at Coady Institute is working with our partners SEWA in India, CCDB in Bangladesh, CLE in Haiti, TGNP in Tanzania, and WISE in Ethiopia to wrap up the five-year long ENGAGE! Wome

23/03/2026

Later this week, more than 100 women from Bangladesh, Canada, Ethiopia, Haiti, India, Tanzania alongside funders, regional partners, and will gather for the closing gathering of : Women's Leadership and Active Citizenship.

Partners and members of Christian Commission for Development in Bangladesh - CCDB, WISE :- Organization for Women in Self Employment, Self Employed Women's Association-SEWA, Centre Haïtien du Leadership et de L’Excellence, TGNP, and Coady Institute will share learning innovation, impact, stories of change, and planning for the future in the women's leadership movement.

10/03/2026

Former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde Visits WISE at International Women’s Day Event.

H.E Sahle-Work Zewde, Ethiopia’s first woman president, visited WISE as part of the International Women’s Day commemoration. During her visit, she met with women at the grassroots level, listening to their stories of struggle, resilience, and success.
Many WISE women were excited to welcome her back. They shared their experiences and expressed gratitude for her continued support over the years.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when many women’s businesses were forced to close and families struggled to meet basic needs, H.E. Sahle-Work supported over 4,700 WISE women with food and sanitary items in collaboration with the European Union.
Reflecting on the importance of women’s empowerment, she emphasized that Women’s Day should not be celebrated only on March 8, but every day of the year. She also shared her own journey of taking on leadership roles that were traditionally dominated by men, noting that advancing women’s rights was one of her top priorities during her presidency.
The visit concluded with her promise to continue supporting and advocating for women. The event was sponsored by the former president.

14/01/2026

On January 13, 2026, more than 200 passionate development actors from across Ethiopia gathered for the 2nd ABCD National Conference, jointly organized by the Coady Institute, the National ABCD Steering Committee, and WISE.

From civil society organizations and government offices to universities, media, and community leaders, the room was full of people who believe that real development starts with what communities already have.

The conference centered on the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach, shifting the conversation from needs and gaps to strengths, skills, and local potential. Participants shared experiences, built new partnerships, and explored practical ways to expand ABCD across Ethiopia.

Beyond the discussions, the event sparked curiosity, fresh thinking, and strong interest in ABCD training. Many left inspired to play an active role in changing mindsets, strengthening collaboration, and supporting communities to lead their own development journeys.

20/12/2025

We are delighted to announce that WISE has been presented with the “Champions of Migration 2025 Award” in recognition of its outstanding contribution to migration governance and improving the lives of migrants in Ethiopia.

The Champions of Migration Awards Ceremony was held on 18 December 2025, as part of the celebration of International Migrants Day 2025. The event was organized by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Ethiopia in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs (MoWSA).

The ceremony was honored by the presence of H.E. the Deputy Prime Minister, Temesgen Tiruneh, as the Guest of Honor, along with H.E. Ergoge Tesfaye, Minister of Women and Social Affairs; H.E. Sofie From-Emmesberger, EU Ambassador to Ethiopia; and Ms. Abibatou Wane, Chief of Mission of IOM Ethiopia.

This award recognizes outstanding individuals, communities, and organizations demonstrating leadership in migration governance and improving lives across the country. WISE is proud to be recognized among the champions driving positive change.

IOM Ethiopia
የሴቶችና ማህበራዊ ጉዳይ ሚኒስቴር Ministry of Women and Social Affairs
European Union in Ethiopia

10/10/2025

Congratulations on the 25th Anniversary of the Katherine Fleming International Development Award! This award is presented annually to an African woman leader and Coady Institute graduate in honor of the late Katherine Fleming, who devoted her career to fighting child poverty in Africa.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jK2xb-VDspQ
Learn more on: https://coady.stfx.ca/katherine-fleming-international-development-award/

Each year, Coady Institute presents an African woman leader the prestigious Katherine Fleming International Development Award at the StFX Homecoming Coffee with Coady event. Family and friends created the annual award in memory of the late Katherine (Katie) Fleming, who dedicated her life to overcom...

10/09/2025

Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful Ethiopian New Year filled with joy, love, health, and endless peace.