Developing Entrepreneurship among Women with Disabilities (DEWD)

The DEWD strategy was piloted in Ethiopia 2001–2004. The strategy represents an innovative and flexible approach to technical cooperation by the ILO in the field of disability. The approach is based on partnerships with local nongovernmental organizations of persons with disabilities (DPOs) and designed and implemented in close consultation with DPOs, training providers, micro-finance institutions, and national and local government authorities.

Building on the positive experience in Phase 1 where women with disabilities took part in some training courses provided for women entrepreneurs as part of WEDGE, the focus in Phase 2 (2005-2007) was to support the participation of women with disabilities in as many WEDGE training activities and events as possible. DPOs are involved in providing any support services which are required to make this inclusion work in practice. Download the DWED factsheet

2009 month of the woman entrepreneurs : Awassa, Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, MOWE events and celebrations, including women with disabilities began in March 2004 as part the ILO-Irish Aid Partnership Programme and in coordination with government, workers’ and employers’ groups and organizations in small enterprise development. Since then, it has been commemorated annually during that month in a different region of the country. 

Profiles of women entrepreneurs participating in this year’s MOWE include concrete block makers, wood and leather goods producers and others shown in the following photos. Check out the photo gallery.

Voices of women entrepreneurs

The Voices Series was produced from the WEDGE Irish Aid Partnership, promoting women's entrepreneurship, including women with disabilities, to showcase the stories of women who have participated in WEDGE training. Here are some of the stories of  the women entrepreneurs with disabilities who have participated in the DEWD/WEDGE programme.

Florence from Uganda: