The Hamar people are among the original inhabitants of the Omo Valley in Southern Ethiopia and have practiced a unique way of life (purely by their skilful management of nature) for thousands of years. However in recent decades their ability to subsist solely off the land and livestock has become more challenging, and the traditional economy is eroding at a fast pace.
Today, many Hamar people are unable to provide enough food and basic necessities for their families by themselves, nor do they have the modern skills to earn a living and meet society’s new demands for healthcare and education.
Hamar women are some of the most disadvantaged and marginalised people in the world. At serious risk are widowed women, who due to surviving their husbands are uniquely impoverished and challenged by illiteracy and lack of language skills. Young Hamar women who have rejected traditional marriage or escaped abusive partners also face extreme difficulties. Ostracised from their families, some run away to towns only to find new problems and little support when they get there.
