My full name is Tadelech Wondimagehn. I don’t remember my exact age, however, I can surely say that I am above 80 years old. I was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

I have never attended school; from the day I was born my parents ensured that I would work each day to make a living. My husband is also not educated.

I have been married a very long time. I have been married only once – to one man, Hailu Worku. It was not an arranged marriage like everyone else’s at that time. I found Hailu Worku when I was young and employed; we got married instantly through a friend. I was married at a very young age, when I was in my early 20’s. I am currently living with Hailu Worku at our small house near Ras Desta Hopsital. We lost our official house many years ago due to financial instability, but luckily a wealthy man offered us a room in his house for us to stay. He also renovated the room he gave us and supplied us with many resources, including food, water and free care by his maid. He is a very generous and thoughtful man.

I have been employed many years; that was how I gained my main source of income. Before, I used to be a successful trader in my neighbourhood. From this occupation, I gained a reasonable amount of money each day. I started off by selling vegetables, but gradually as I grew older and wiser, I decided to expand my career. I decided to try new things, so I started baking Injera, washing clothes, dishes etc at people’s houses. The money I received I used to support my family and me. Currently I am unemployed; I am a retired old woman. The reason for that is mainly just my old age but also the fact that I was capturing several illnesses that prevented me from conducting labour. At home, my main chore is looking after my husband; I cook and clean for him. Sometimes when there is nothing to do, I just sit locked inside my house like a prisoner, feeling isolated, hopeless, weak and at times, burdened with heavy despair.

I had 3 children with Hailu – all of which who passed away one after the other. It was devastating and shattering for both me and my husband. When all my children left me, I had no one who could look after me when I was ill. Hailu falls ill quite often and the issue is most of the time with his foot. His foot swells and he cannot walk let alone work. Currently, Hailu is being medicated at the Ras Desta Hospital (close to where we live). Hailu was a very dedicated carpenter for many years. It was his passion and he was good at it. After having children with Hailu, I had 2 children with another man but we did not get married. He fled after I had my second child with him. Again, I lost both my children due to severe illnesses and was depressed for a very long time. Hailu stayed with me and comforted me at all times. I had 2 sisters and 1 brother. My brother passed away 3 years ago. He loved and cared for me very much – he supported me whenever I needed him to. One of my sister went abroad a very long time ago and I haven’t heard from her since. My other sister is very ill thus she cannot help me very much. Also, she has many children. In fact, she even has great grandchildren. She has many people that can support her but none of them are willing to do the same for me. I feel like my family has forgotten the true value of sisterhood.

I am also very ill. I have major eye problems even though I’ve been to the clinic and received medicine for it, my eyes still pours tears and unfortunately, I can’t control it.

I have received a substantial amount of support and resources from Eneredada Elder People’s Association. They have given me lots and lots of flour, sugar, oil, soap and salt. Currently, I don’t have any future plans or hopes, except perhaps that my husband and I get better.