The Effect of Gender Targeted Support: An Experience from Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia

One such student, 20-year-old Selam Deres, came from a poor family in the Amhara region. She was the fifth child, and her parents were unable to support her education beyond grade 9. However, with the help of an NGO, she was able to complete her preparatory studies and join Bahir Dar University. During her first year, Selam faced significant challenges, including financial difficulties that made it hard for her to purchase handouts and sanitary pads. She often had to borrow handouts from friends, which caused frequent interruptions in her studies. Despite these challenges, Selam was determined to continue her education, and she was introduced to the gender office at Bahir Dar University. The gender office, which received support from the Jhpiego HRH project, provided financial assistance to female students like Selam. The office provided her with 150 birr per month, as well as other essential items such as sanitary pads, hair food, and food. The office also linked her with the student union to obtain free photocopies of her handouts. With this support, Selam was able to focus on her studies without worrying about her financial problems. As a result of the support from the gender office, Selam's academic status improved significantly. She was able to pass her exams and continue her education without interruption. The gender office coordinator, Ms. Eden, attributed the success of students like Selam to the technical and financial support provided by the Jhpiego HRH project. She expressed her gratitude for the support and acknowledged the positive impact it had on students like Selam. Selam's story is a testament to the impact of the gender office and the Jhpiego HRH project on the lives of female students at Bahir Dar University. Despite facing numerous challenges, Selam was able to overcome them and achieve her academic goals. She is now a graduating student with a bright future ahead of her, and she aspires to become a successful midwife who can help her community and her family. The Jhpiego HRH project has strengthened the university's gender office, enabling it to provide financial and technical support to female students. The project has improved the academic achievement and self-confidence of female students, and it has helped to reduce school withdrawal rates. The project's success has been made possible by the technical and financial support provided by Jhpiego.