For Tsega Araya, life has been a journey of perseverance, bold decisions, and unwavering belief in her potential. Growing up in Addis Ababa’s Nifas Silk Lafto sub-city, Tsega came from a family that ran a successful coffee shop. However, when her mother fell ill, the shop was confiscated, plunging the family into hardship. The stress took a toll on everyone, and Tsega’s father passed away soon after.
As the only daughter, Tsega took on the responsibility of caring for her mother and brothers, putting her education on hold to support her family. In 2002, she married a childhood acquaintance who earned a modest income by renting out a car and supplying construction materials. Life was tough, and to make ends meet, they built a corrugated tin house on land owned by her husband’s grandparents. Over the years, Tsega and her husband welcomed four children into their lives.
Life changed for Tsega in 2012 when she stumbled upon a group of women gathered near her local administration office. Curious, she inquired about the meeting and learned that the women were participating in savings activities and receiving training from WISE. Intrigued, Tsega decided to join, thinking it would be a productive way to use her free time.
“I thought I was already a skilled businesswoman since I came from a business-oriented family,” she recalls. “But the training I received at WISE opened my eyes. It taught me lessons that money couldn’t buy.”
The training was transformative. Tsega learned how to budget, save, and spend wisely. Reflecting on her past habits, she realized she had been a spendthrift, buying items she didn’t need. “The training helped me see the value of money and how to use it effectively,” she says.
Though raising small children made it difficult for her to leave home for regular work, Tsega started saving diligently and ventured into informal buying and selling. At first, she kept her involvement with WISE a secret from her husband, attending meetings and trainings while he assumed she was busy with activities at the local Woreda office.
When she successfully borrowed her first loan of 16,000 Birr, Tsega decided it was time to share her plans with her husband. She explained how WISE empowered women and offered training and support for building financial independence. To her relief, her husband was supportive, and they began working together to expand their opportunities.
The couple’s first major investment was a car, which they rented out for 350 Birr per day. Inspired by WISE’s teachings to think big, Tsega proposed selling the car and borrowing additional funds to purchase better vehicles. Her boldness paid off. She secured a 1.6 million Birr bank loan and purchased a Sinotruck, a tipper truck, and another vehicle to boost their income.
Tsega’s entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there. With a capital investment of 1 million Birr, she established a shop selling household furniture and equipment. Today, her family employs six workers, pays 15,000 Birr monthly for their children’s education in a quality school, and continues to expand their ventures.
“My husband now views WISE as a family member,” Tsega says with a smile. “He trusts the organization and sees how it has transformed our lives. Even my children associate Thursdays with WISE because they know it’s the day I dedicate to the organization.”
Beyond her personal achievements, Tsega is deeply involved in her cooperative’s administration and is passionate about helping others. Her long-term goal is to establish a factory that creates job opportunities for young people.
“I want people to understand that starting small is not a failure—it’s a foundation,” she emphasizes. “Many young people remain idle because they fear starting small, but my story shows that small steps can lead to big success. WISE gave me the tools to grow, and for that, I am forever grateful.”
Tsega encourages other women to take charge of their lives, build their confidence, and become self-reliant. “We should not wait for handouts,” she advises. “We must create our own opportunities, engage with like-minded individuals, and have open discussions in our marriages. With determination and support, self-transformation is possible.”
Tsega’s gratitude to WISE is heartfelt. “The trainers and educators at WISE are doing an incredible job. They are the backbone of this organization, helping disadvantaged women change their lives for the better. WISE has been my guide, my support system, and the reason I stand here today.”
Tsega Araya
Besufikad Savings & Credit Cooperative, Nifas Silk Lafto Sub-city