Spurred on by the pandemic and rising political unrest in the country, we began to mobilize horizontally, connecting with Oromo women from across the global diaspora, and building grassroots networks of fundraising. A strong sister committee was formed on the frontlines in Gadab Hasaasa, ensuring the most vulnerable folks were at the centre of our efforts.

The result was a supply and distribution of food unprecedented in the region. With the tremendous support of community elders and youth volunteers, rows upon rows of food hampers—1000 in all—were placed for pickup in the large field adjacent to the local flour factory. Within a week of the start of Ramadan, 1000 families received hampers containing 25 kilograms of flour, one kilogram each of dates, sugar, and coffee beans, and two litres of cooking oil.

And so began our first community project! Envisioning a future in Gadab Hasaasa where everyone has dignified access to food, we transitioned into a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit charity in the summer of 2021, and now organize as the Gadab Hasaasa Women’s Relief Association.

With generous support from Oromo and non-Oromo folks alike, we’re grateful that our Emergency Food Hampers program is now an annual offering in the region. Expanding its scope and reach, GHWRA is currently working through several food access and community infrastructure projects in Gadab Hasaasa, including an urban farming project, a livestock distribution program, and a women’s microfinance grant initiative.