Ethiopia is experiencing unprecedented and increasing levels of migration of women and girls to the Middle East for domestic work. In transit and on arrival, these women are at high risk of abuse, exploitation and of falling into situations of slavery. At the same time, high numbers of women are returning from situations of servitude in the Middle East in dire need of mental and other support.

The hotspot interventions will enable a measurable reduction in risky migration through replicable and scalable interventions. It also provides support to returnees through projects that aim to increase wellbeing and economic prosperity leading to reduced vulnerability to further risky migration.

The hotspot has been launched in Addis Ababa and in the Amhara region. In Addis, interventions focus on Addis Ketema, one of the capital’s ten sub-cities. It is home to the largest open market in Africa as well as the main bus station in Ethiopia, making it a central transit point for women and girls migrating to the Middle East. The Amhara region has amongst the highest prevalence of trafficking in Ethiopia and is one of the main source areas for women and girls going to the Middle East.