Transforming a Nation, One Woman at a Time
Ermias Bekele is the Executive Director of Beza Community Development Association (BCDA) on the northern edge of Addis Ababa. He is on a mission to empower the displaced women clinging to survival up Entoto Mountain, where the road north out of town leads. Without the help of the program he oversees, these women have little hope of improving their lives.
A textbook example of a transformational leader, Ermias has developed a small team of passionate men and women who are committed to transforming the lives of every woman they meet . . . an army small, but mighty! Their work is supported by organizations such as Tirzah International, and is only limited by the constraints of increasingly limited funding.
Women Served
Parters engaged
programs supported
dollars raised
Ethiopia’s Unsung Heroes
This small army is transforming the future of individuals, families, communities, and potentially the socio-economic trajectory of a nation, one woman at a time.
Bringing Humane Back to Humanity
Too often the marginalized are dehumanized. They live in the shadows unseen, and certainly not heard; therefore, it is assumed, they must not be valuable.
The women we encountered are vibrant, smart, capable, and visionary. They learned quickly what they were taught, and they took initiative. And then, they set out to mentor and empower others.
A Day in the Life of a Hero…
6am
Leave home for the two-hour drive across town to the Beza Community Development Center.
8am
Meet with staff and social workers to prepare training and facilitation before beneficiaries arrive.
9am
Welcome women as they arrive at the Center for education, equipping, and encouragement.
