'When we relied only on crops to feed our families, things were too hard. The rain has become so little we only have on decent harvest every three years. Everyone is searching for additional income because it is the only way we can survive.'

In Ethiopia, soap is not only helping fight off the further spread of the coronavirus pandemic, soap is changing lives by empowering women to fight the effects of climate crisis and become self-reliant.

Kumana is an entrepreneur and mother of three. Though she didn’t finish school herself, she is doing everything in her power to make sure her own children get an education.

Thanks to the gift of soap-making training from Christian Aid and a local partner, she now has a thriving business that empowers her to build that hope into reality. Christian Aid’s partner provides the soap making training, using the drought-resistant aloe vera plant that is native to the area and has thrived in the climate where other crops have failed.

Making soap has empowered Kumana and the women from her village, boosting the local economy and giving them financial independence from the men. Not only this, but having unlimited access to soap greatly benefits the health of the entire village, improving vital hygiene and handwashing during this global pandemic.

‘The money from our soap is not only for food, but also for clothes and teaching materials for my children. Everything was covered by my husband before. We need support for other women, so they can be like us!’

As the climate crisis and coronavirus pandemic continue to cause suffering around the world, for €15 will you make a gift that builds hope for women like Kumana?