Despite the significant political and social challenges facing Mekelle and the broader Tigray region, the GIRT project successfully convened a vital validation workshop on May 23, 2025. The event brought the voices of women from the Dingur informal settlement to the forefront of the academic research process.
Held at Mekelle University, the workshop's purpose was to share and validate the preliminary findings of a qualitative study on the lives of women in these marginalized communities. In a powerful display of community engagement, 17 women from Dingur, many of whom were original interview partners, gathered with researchers and a local administrator to ensure their stories were told accurately.
The research team presented findings on topics like economic struggles, social networks, and the lack of basic services, all translated into the local language, Tigrigna, to foster a truly inclusive dialogue. The day was not just about presenting data; it was a conversation. Facilitators encouraged the women to confirm, challenge, and add depth to the findings from their own lived experiences.
Through personal and often moving testimonies, the women confirmed the harsh realities of their daily lives. They spoke of the severe lack of road access that prevents ambulances from reaching them, the constant struggle for clean water, and the frustration of being unable to secure loans to start small businesses due to not having formal land ownership documents.
The workshop became a space of mutual learning and empowerment. The participants expressed feeling heard and valued, affirming the research had captured their situation with dignity. The event stands as a testament to the resilience of the community and the commitment of the GIRT project to conduct meaningful, gender-sensitive research that can hopefully pave the way for tangible change, even in the most trying of circumstances.
