More than a business: How hairdressing is helping formerly displaced women in Ethiopia's Tigray region find hope

For two long years, Kidist Redaie was displaced from her hometown in Alamata, Ethiopia—years marked by fear, loss, and profound uncertainty—after renewed fighting erupted in Tigray in 2022. At the time, Kidist and her father were working in their farm. But as fighting intensified rapidly, they were forced to flee, unable to return home or regroup with the rest of the family. This sudden escape meant that her mother and younger sisters were left behind in Alamata. It was the first time Kidist had ever been separated from her family, and the emotional burden of not knowing their safety weighed heavily on her every single day.

For Kidist and her father, life in Mekoni, where they had fled, was extremely difficult—an exhausting struggle marked by hunger, uncertainty, and the daily challenge of simply surviving far from home. With no proper shelter, limited food, and services, every day became a test of both mental and physical endurance as they tried to cope with the harsh reality of displacement. Kidist’s father had also become physically weaken and unable to continue the agricultural work that once sustained the family. His condition meant that the responsibility of supporting the household fell heavily on Kidist, even though she herself was displaced and struggling.

After two years, Kidist and her father finally returned home. But the reunion she had long dreamed of was overshadowed by the devastation she found. The family’s farmland, once their only source of livelihood, had become unproductive, as there was no one able to work the fields during her father’s absence and weakened condition. Her mother had struggled alone to care for her other siblings, often going days without secure food or income.

Determined to help, Kidist searched tirelessly for daily labor jobs. But work was inconsistent and the income insufficient to cover even basic needs.

A hair salon as a safe space

Everything changed when Kidist was selected by the New Millennium project, funded through the EHF–CERF funding, to participate in a hairdressing skills training program. This opportunity marked a true turning point in her life. For the first time since her displacement, Kidist felt a renewed sense of hope that she could rebuild her future, support her family, and regain a sense of control after years of hardship.

She completed the training with determination and soon after became a UNHCR CERF‑supported beneficiary, receiving a two‑day Protection and GBV training along with a full set of hairdressing equipment to establish a small business together with other women in her group. Their workspace, located within the Alamata ABA Center and run by UNHCR’s partner OSSHD, was provided to them rent‑free, creating a safe and encouraging environment to begin their new journey.

The Protection and GBV training left an especially profound impact on Kidist. It reshaped not only how she intends to run her salon, but also how she engages with the women and girls who come to her for services. For Kidist, this knowledge has become as valuable as the hairdressing tools she received strengthening her commitment to making her salon not just a source of income, but a safe, respectful, and supportive space for women in her community.

"The protection and GBV training changed how I work. I learned how to listen with empathy, keep information confidential, and know where to refer someone if they need help. Moreover, our salon is more than just a business it is a safe space where women feel respected and supported," said Kidist.

Importantly, the training and assistance provided to Kidist and her peers highlights the strong coordination among humanitarian actors on the ground. They were first identified and enrolled for training through the local humanitarian organization New Millennium, funded by the EHF–CERF budget, and later received the Protection and GBV training as well as the essential start‑up materials and equipment from UNHCR through its CERF allocation. This joint, well‑coordinated effort ensured that support was delivered efficiently and holistically empowering energetic young women like 21‑year‑old Kidist with both the practical skills and the resources needed to restore their livelihoods, contribute meaningfully to their communities, and regain their dignity.

Today, Kidist stands not only as a conflict‑affected survivor but as a young woman actively rebuilding her life and supporting her family. Her small business in Alamata now provides the income they once lacked, easing the burden on her mother and bringing renewed stability to her family.

“Now I am supporting my family with their basic needs. I help my two younger sisters with school materials and supplies, and I support my mother by contributing to household expenses, including food items and medical necessities. Being able to do this makes me feel stronger and more hopeful for our future," she said.

Her story is a powerful testament to resilience, determination, and the transformative impact of timely humanitarian support showing how coordinated, well‑targeted assistance can revive hope and create real pathways to recovery for those who have endured the hardships of displacement.