The population of Ethiopian migrants living abroad was estimated at over 839,224 in 2021, with an additional 589,110 individuals returning to Ethiopia. Many of these migrants, particularly women and girls, left their homeland in search of work opportunities but faced severe risks, including abuse, exploitation, and even servitude in foreign countries. Upon their return, these individuals often encounter significant barriers to reintegration and sustainable employment, making it difficult to rebuild their lives.
The Thrive program was established to address these challenges, creating sustainable employment pathways for survivors of trafficking and other vulnerable groups. This initiative aims to reduce the prevalence of high-risk migration and enhance the well-being of returnee survivors by offering vocational training and employment matching services. The importance of such a program is underscored by research conducted on Ethiopian migrant workers who returned from the Arab States, where many had endured forced labor within the last five years. These findings highlight the critical need for programs like Thrive to support the reintegration of returnees into Ethiopian society.
Through its comprehensive approach, the Thrive program has provided participants with the necessary skills to secure and maintain employment in their communities. Many returnees face stigma, discrimination, and suspicion from their families, communities, and potential employers, making it difficult to find stable work. Thrive’s training and support have proven invaluable in overcoming these obstacles, with participants reporting significant improvements in their work skills and overall satisfaction with the program.
Despite these positive outcomes, challenges remain. A large proportion of participants reported favorable working conditions, including reduced working hours, yet 87% expressed a preference to work in a different sector, and 94% indicated a desire for self-employment over wage employment. This reflects a broader aspiration among returnees for greater autonomy and control over their livelihoods, underscoring the need for more tailored employment opportunities that align with their personal goals and aspirations.
The program has also played a vital role in helping returnees recover from the trauma they experienced during their time abroad. A remarkable 97% of participants reported that they used the skills and knowledge gained from the Thrive program to overcome past traumas, and 93% noted a significant reduction in feelings of shame, failure, and anxiety. These psychological benefits are critical for the long-term well-being of returnees, as they reintegrate into society and work towards achieving their goals.
However, despite these advancements, nearly two-thirds of the participants expressed that they were still likely to consider migrating again, with 18% specifically contemplating a return to the Middle East. This highlights the persistent economic and social challenges that many returnees face, which drive the ongoing risk of re-migration. Key informants emphasized the importance of strong social networks and supportive economic conditions in helping returnees feel settled in Ethiopia and reducing the temptation to migrate once more.
The Thrive program, funded by Walk Free and implemented by the Freedom Fund in collaboration with partners such as Hope Enterprise, Sister Yemisrach Training Institute, and KASMA Charity Organization, ran from 2021 to 2023. Over this three-year period, the program provided vocational training to 240 women returnees, offering them a critical lifeline in their journey towards sustainable employment. By focusing on long-term solutions and addressing the unique needs of vulnerable groups, Thrive has made significant strides in creating pathways to decent work in Ethiopia’s formal economy.
The Thrive program has made a meaningful impact on the lives of Ethiopian returnees, particularly women and girls who have survived trafficking and other forms of exploitation. By equipping them with the skills and support needed to secure sustainable employment, Thrive is helping to reduce high-risk migration and foster a more stable and prosperous future for these individuals. However, continued efforts are needed to address the underlying factors driving migration and to ensure that returnees can fully reintegrate into Ethiopian society.