Motorbike gone, Milk Buisness born: how meron murned loss Into victory

Meron Addisu, from Sululta, in the outskirts of Addis Ababa, always had big dreams. She built a small business reselling products using a motorbike and a Bajaj , but when her motorbike was stolen, everything crumbled. With shaken confidence, she paused her entrepreneurial journey to focus on raising her son, Wabi.

But Meron’s story is not one of surrender; it’s one of resilience. Through EDI’s Entrepreneurship Training and support under the SEED Program, a partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, she found the courage to start again.

Learning to view setbacks as stepping stones, she launched a thriving milk and dairy business in Sululta, where she now sells fresh dairy products at the Addis Ababa open market Merkato. On regular days, she sells 70 liters of milk, though sales dip to 40 liters during fasting periods.

Looking ahead, Meron dreams of expanding her business into a full-fledged dairy production company. She plans to scale up operations, reach more customers, and create employment opportunities for other women in her community. Meron said people have to use every opportunity that comes their way to build their future because starting one's business will make us truly free and successful.

Now, Meron’s journey is evidence of this year’s International Women’s Day theme: "For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment." Her story reminds us that empowerment isn’t just about success—it’s about rising after every fall.

This WomensDay, let’s celebrate Meron’s resilience and uplift women entrepreneurs who dare to dream and rebuild.