Salam Gari’s Path to Prosperity
by FINISH Mondial GESI Working Group Ethiopia
In the bustling sub-district of Dere Nagaya in Adama City, Ethiopia, a remarkable story of entrepreneurial success has been unfolding over the past few years. Salam Gari, a 32-year-old mother, has transformed her once precarious financial situation into a thriving sanitation business, becoming a symbol of hope and empowerment in her community.
Three years ago, Salam faced significant challenges and an uncertain future. Unemployed and struggling financially, she grappled daily with the pressing concern of how to provide for her family. The turning point came when representatives from the FINISH Mondial programme visited her community and recognised something others had overlooked: Salam’s potential. Despite her challenges, she had managed to secure a government-issued certificate and demonstrated strong organisational skills along with unwavering determination.
The project team knew she had the ability to change her situation and provided Salam with a hollow block production machine and the necessary training to start her business. With these tools, Salam began producing latrine components—simple yet crucial products for local sanitation needs.
What followed was extraordinary. Salam’s business quickly began to thrive, becoming a key supplier not just for the FINISH Mondial project but also for local small and medium-sized enterprises and members of her community.Her business steadily grew, driven by her hard work and determination. Today, Salam’s company boasts over a million in capital, operates two hollow block production machines, and employs an expanding team.
Emboldened by her success, Salam is now preparing to open a new branch in another sub-district. This expansion is expected to double her workforce within a month, creating new jobs and opportunities for others—much like the FINISH Mondial programme did for her.
Salam’s story is a testament to the power of belief, opportunity, and resilience. From a woman struggling to make ends meet, she has become a thriving entrepreneur. Her journey illustrates the transformative impact that support and empowerment can have on a person’s life. Salam Gari’s path to prosperity is not just her own; it is a path she is paving for many others, inspiring a cycle of growth and empowerment in Adama City.