Step into the vibrant world of Hawassa Industrial Park (HIP), where factories not only contribute significantly to Ethiopia’s foreign currency earnings and GDP, but also serve as catalysts for job creation on a massive scale. These factories are not just economic powerhouses; they are also sources of immense pride as they proudly bear the label ‘Made in Ethiopia.’ Their products have found their way onto the shelves of prestigious retailers in America, Europe, and Canada, effectively showcasing the quality and craftsmanship of our nation to the world.  But the impact of these factories goes beyond economic success. They are committed to the well-being of their workers and actively engage in various corporate social responsibility initiatives. From empowering women through dedicated programs to organizing blood donation drives and participating in numerous charitable activities, these companies are making a tangible difference in the lives of their employees and the communities they operate in.  Blood donation campaign at Indochine Facility The factories at HIP are not just about production and profit; they are about creating a positive ripple effect that extends far beyond their walls. By prioritizing the welfare of their workers and actively giving back to society, these factories are setting a shining example for others to follow. They are not just shaping the future of Ethiopia’s industrial landscape; they are also shaping a brighter and more inclusive future for all. So, let us celebrate the remarkable achievements of Hawassa Industrial Park and the factories within it. They are not only driving economic growth and putting Ethiopia on the global map, but they are also making a lasting impact on the lives of their workers and the communities they serve. Together, they are transforming the face of industry and proving that success can be achieved hand in hand with social responsibility. In a groundbreaking collaboration between the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Ethiopian Business Disability Network, a transformative workshop on maternal health and disability inclusion was held, bringing together all the factories at Hawassa Industrial Park (HIP) and other key stakeholders. This workshop served as a platform to recognize HIP as a trailblazer among industrial parks in Ethiopia. The factories within HIP have gone above and beyond to create disability-inclusive workplaces, employing individuals with disabilities and implementing reasonable accommodations to ensure their working environments are tailored to their needs. Let’s take a look at some of these companies that have championed disability inclusion and maternal health and have created a healthy and happy working atmosphere in their factories. Hela: Nurturing Mothers and Embracing Inclusivity Hela Sumbi is the largest bra manufacturer in East Africa and its subsidiary company Hela produces women’s panties. The company has launched a women empowerment project known as ‘Unleash her’. This project has various schemes to keep the well-being of women workers and ultimately empower them to be productive members of the society. Step into the extraordinary world of Hela, where compassion and inclusivity reign supreme. This remarkable factory not only produces exceptional intimate apparel but also goes above and beyond to prioritize the well-being of its employees, particularly pregnant mothers. Recognizing the critical importance of nutrition during pregnancy, Hela provides free nutritious meals to expectant mothers every single day. This thoughtful gesture ensures that both the mother and the precious life growing within her womb receive the essential nutrients needed for a healthy journey. But Hela’s commitment doesn’t stop there. Once a pregnant worker reaches the five-month mark, they are relieved from engaging in heavy tasks, allowing them to focus on their well-being and the well-being of their unborn child. To further support their journey, Hela’s dedicated medical team provides comprehensive prenatal care throughout the entire pregnancy, ensuring that every mother receives the attention and care they deserve. But Hela’s dedication to maternal health doesn’t end with childbirth. After giving birth, new mothers are granted two hours of paid time every day to breastfeed their babies. This invaluable support not only promotes the health and bonding between mother and child but also recognizes the importance of this precious time in a baby’s early development. To make this process even more seamless, Hela goes the extra mile by facilitating transportation for these mothers, ensuring they can easily commute to and from work while still prioritizing their little ones. However, Hela’s commitment to inclusivity extends far beyond maternal health. They have created an inclusive work environment by actively employing individuals with disabilities. By embracing diversity and providing equal opportunities, Hela sets an inspiring example for other companies to follow. Their dedication to inclusivity not only enriches the lives of their employees but also fosters a culture of acceptance and understanding within the workplace. Pregnant workers having nutritious meal at Hela and medical checkup at the factory’s clinic EPIC Group: Empowering Women and Embracing Diversity at HIP Prepare to be amazed by the incredible strides made by EPIC Group, a multinational company specializing in men’s, women’s and children’s clothing production at Hawassa Industrial Park (HIP). Not only are they creating a huge impact in revolutionizing the garment industry in Ethiopia , but they are also leading the charge in empowering women through their groundbreaking project, ‘enate ena lije’. EPIC Group understands the importance of supporting pregnant mothers, just like their esteemed counterpart, Hela.   At their state-of-the-art clinics, EPIC Group offers comprehensive pre and post-natal medical checkups, guaranteeing that every mother receives the utmost care and attention during this transformative journey. But EPIC Group’s commitment to pregnant mothers doesn’t stop there. They go above and beyond by providing special meals four times a day, tailored to meet the unique nutritional needs of expectant mothers. Recognizing the importance of rest, EPIC Group also grants pregnant mothers the right to a one-hour break at their clinic facility, allowing them to recharge and prioritize their health. EPIC Group also take a compassionate approach to address the challenges faced by single mothers, offering guidance and raising awareness to prevent any involvement in abortion. Moreover, EPIC Group provides financial support to these courageous single