Asmara, 01 January 2025 – Ms. Tekea Tesfamicael, President of the National Union of Eritrean Women (NUEW), emphasized that the union’s key priority in the current era is strengthening its organizational capacity.
She made these remarks during an interview with the Eritrean News Agency (Erina) yesterday.
Ms. Tekea further explained that, in addition to efforts aimed at raising awareness among its members, the NUEW is focused on addressing the socio-economic challenges faced by women. This includes providing vocational training programs, as well as offering microfinancing and credit opportunities, which have produced encouraging results.
Over the past few years, the NUEW has disbursed approximately 50 million Nakfa in micro-credits to over 15,000 female beneficiaries. These women have used the funds to engage in small-scale agriculture and trade. Notably, 85% of the loans have already been repaid.
Regarding vocational training, Ms. Tekea highlighted the union’s ongoing efforts to expand such programs in collaboration with partners. These programs, which are offered across all six regions of the country, include training in weaving, sculpture, and various handcrafts. The union also provides trainees with financial and material support, as well as livestock to assist them in their enterprises.
The NUEW also recognizes outstanding female students by awarding them encouragements to enhance their participation in regular education programs and to help them become more competitive in their academic endeavors.
Furthermore, the union has distributed and installed 78 water pumps across all regions to encourage greater female involvement in agricultural activities.
In addition to these initiatives, Ms. Tekea mentioned that the NUEW, in collaboration with partners and regional branches, is involved in the construction of training centers, community halls, and maternity waiting homes in various locations including Massawa, Keren, Barentu, Kushet, Tio, Elaberet, Asmat, Adi-Quala, Assab, Teseney, Adi-Keih, Mendefera, and Haikota. Several of these projects have already been completed.
