Homeless women in Ethiopia using wild dogs for protection

Thousands of displaced women and children fleeing Ethiopia’s Tigray conflict have found refuge in the country’s capital Addis Ababa.
Many are homeless due to widespread poverty and lack of government support, living in tents and forced to turn to begging - which Ethiopia made illegal in 2023.
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Left to fend for themselves, many have found unlikely safety and companionship from the city’s stray dogs.
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[@stephanieking4444]

Women and dogs befriending and helping each other. It could be a heartwarming storyline in a novel. But it's reality and their desperate hardship is heartbreaking 💔 😢

[@juliet7703]

@@stephanieking4444 couldn't have worded it any better..😔

[@Marc.Martain]

Them stray dogs are them boyfriends they use them woman at daytime for food and at night them have fun together in the bed and this is real talk

[@elephantintheroom5678]

This is how dogs were first domesticated. By women seeking protection.

[@himZ1017]

@@elephantintheroom5678 Hmmm, this does make sense.

[@TheHippyHoppyHippo]

​@@elephantintheroom5678I don't think dogs would be entirely reliable..

[@riannadominguez396]

I don’t blame her, bless those dogs, but no one should be without shelter 🙏🏼💕

[@Trund27]

Very well said.

[@rasras1608]

The reporter is deceiving and the translation is 100% wrong. The lady with the dog is homeless because her house was demolished by Abiy Ahmed government Oromonizatin scheme ( ethnic cleansing). The lady is saying there used to be residential houses, but since they are demolished they can't get enough money to feed themselves. Most of the people are homeless because their houses were demolished or evicted from public housing with development pretext. They weren't even provided accommodation when their houses were demolished. This reporter is fake

[@vbrown6445]

So you're not disputing the fact of homelessness, just the reasons for the homelessness, correct? Just trying to understand the point you're making. The homelessness is happening because the government is demolishing housing and evicting people as part of an ethnic cleansing scheme? Are there also people who are homeless because of being displaced by the fighting in the countryside? (Which is what this story was emphasizing.) Was the reporter only pointing out one cause of the homelessness-- simplifying the issue-- instead of presenting more of the complexities which caused the problems? In that case, the situation is even worse than presented in this news story.

[@rasras1608]

@@vbrown6445 of course there is homelessness. It has increased astronomically for the last 6 years since the Oromo ethnic nationalist government took power. These people are made homeless by the government. The mayor of the city defended the action by saying " they were poor and homeless, we simply certified their poverty and homelessness." This was a government official speaking on government media. However, Channel 4 didn't dig deep to investigate the reason, on top of that distorted the interviewees' words.

[@pennybourban3712]

@@rasras1608 Is the part about the dogs true?

[@rasras1608]

@@pennybourban3712 are you ignorant? The dog is not an important part of the story. The people are. The dog is an entertainment

[@pennybourban3712]

@@rasras1608 She stated the dogs are her only safety. It was relevant to her homelessness, if true.

[@kestee3240]

dogs.. a man's best and trusted friend. they never disappoint and their loyalty is always UNMATCHED.

[@briannadickson2884]

Unless they're mauling a 3 year old minding their business

[@CharlotteIssyvoo]

A *woman's* best and trusted friend, I believe.

[@jaffaranga]

Woman's best friend!

[@ironmaiden4396]

My little yellow dog, "Buttercat" (half chihuahua, half terrier) is a total bada$$. He ran 3 , dressed in black with masks, 6 foot tall young men , across the yard, and over a fence who were trying to kick my back door in. What a brave little guy! He risked his life to protect our home. BTW, they were caught, arrested and went to jail.

[@TheHippyHoppyHippo]

​@@CharlotteIssyvooonly in this video, but say "human's best friend" to not base it on gender

[@에덴시바트]

I am from Ethiopia and I am here to report that the subtitle and the words the girl is saying is not the same through out the video specially at 1:13 . She was explaining about how many people are living currently in that area instead of her life. Please use the right words and do not indent the words!

[@raheltegegn9880]

The same am from Ethiopia and what he translate and what she said are too different. Homelessness come and see it in England one of the richest country in the world! The reporter is from Somalia so he is mis informing or exaggerating!!!

[@niyahani3134]

Right?? I noticed it too.

[@thedolamitechannel2756]

@@raheltegegn9880 does he speak Ethiopian though?

[@TilahunMamo-wt5jk]

How many people killd every day.

[@melkamuat6590]

But You idiots didn't noticed that the subtitle's timing was delayed from the audio but it's correct according to the stories

[@revanth639]

"I have a special place for dogs more than ppl" are her words and Mark Twain once said something similar

[@yosephberhunegn7490]

She didn't actually say that in the language she spoke.

[@intello8953]

@@yosephberhunegn7490I’ve noticed a lot of these western news channels and journalists mistranslating many languages. Probably to set an agenda

[@kidus_1001]

yup she didn't say that..

[@aaddisababa5352]

The translation of the whole clip is kind of wrong but she did say that she really love dogs

[@ll51019]

Mark Twain use dogs to catch slave

[@Quidditch54321]

It is the women and children who suffer most in wartime and in the aftermath.

[@hvbris1]

Is there a reputable charity I can donate to that helps these women?

[@masterlightjames950]

Donate to the ones in your country

[@nyew1231]

​@@masterlightjames950shhhh

[@FF-by6ci]

@@masterlightjames950 That wasn't their question, she/he can donate to whatever charity they like.

[@TheSpiciestGinger]

​@@masterlightjames950bro go awayyyyy

[@TheSpiciestGinger]

Perhaps find out reporters name and reach out to them on social media and ask if you could contact the women directly to support perhaps?

[@MuftiMasala]

When you travel around the world, it should make you appreciate your life much more. Ppl suffer so much everywhere

[@ReinaAfricana]

Poverty is global and I've been homeless before in the United States. We have tent cities all across the country. People freeze to death every year here

[@Doe-q5e]

I hope her life improves soon bless her

[@karentaylor6595]

A very loving Woman the fact that she cares about the animals even though they don’t have much she feeds her dogs. That says a lot. I won’t complain anymore about life in the USA, we are blessed. 😻I love animals too they are innocent😊❤

[@deanneblack3439]

She feeds the dogs to keep her safe. She looks after them and they look after her in return ❤

[@piroshk1968]

We cant compare men to dogs anymore. at least dogs protect vulnerable women

[@JimmyAntono]

Dogs are more loyal than humans in today's world 😢 it's very painful to see people living like this by the way I do love ❤️ dogs 🐕 very much

[@mikemenelik8193]

And the president is building a new palace - what a shame !!

[@claredelamer7940]

Why is this not MAIN STREAM NEWS? 50,000 homeless, no homes being built. DOGS are keeping this family safe....

[@koolkarl7464]

Its not main stream news because they're black africans and the ethiopian goverments limits the news coming out of ethiopia.

[@trappybaby4185]

Look at there colour then you will find out why it’s not mainstream news

[@debrak3594]

We are too busy covering a--holes like Trump.

[@truthoverlies1820]

​@@trappybaby4185look at their colour? 😂 it's not the 1960s anymore! Infact it's white ppl who get overlooked these days

[@vobden]

@@trappybaby4185 Bull, these are self made ghettos. Thats why it isnt main stream. Look into the town and figure it out before making things up

[@hooyoahzab]

And Ethiopia government wanted to start new war with Somalia instead of fixing their economy 😢

[@theconfusedoromo5361]

at least this somali propagandist..i mean journalist felt save to report...lets see if he dare talk to try that in Somali...i am not defending no one...but this is common proplem even in 1st world

[@aklesayakassahaile6294]

Do you know the reason why Ethiopia want a war?I don’t think you know all story we have best PM

[@hooyoahzab]

@@aklesayakassahaile6294 yes I do I’m Ethiopian born Ethiopia I’m not saying he is not the best but he can do better

[@theconfusedoromo5361]

@@hooyoahzab better how? Egypt is trying to use Somali to more unstable us...as always they feel threatened when we try to stand on our two legs

[@24Ayiolaf]

Yes they're crazy 😂

[@mrdacusthenavigator4989]

This breaks my heart.

[@jaffaranga]

Stop using passive language, it's not "people" who women aaand children need protecting from.... *IT'S MEN!!!*

[@ditto3127]

Bless this woman.. struggling but still kind to those in need.. she's caring for strays and there was a kitten inside being played with 💕 (gently of course)

[@star_productionss]

I am ashamed of my country for not helping these people 💔

[@lilablue4066]

There are so many ethiopian billionaires that could easily solve the problem too. Thats the sad part for me- knowing that Ethiopia is proud of its deep christian orthodox beliefs.

[@mikemenelik8193]

And the president is building a new palace - what a shame !!

[@star_productionss]

@@lilablue4066exactly

[@star_productionss]

@@mikemenelik8193ikr, they could at least give the money to the unfortunate ones

[@redseayouth9119]

@@lilablue4066 even billionaires in Western countries couldn't help solve the rampant homelessness, and poverty in Western countries. Use your damn commonsense

[@JaeSwift10JamellaSwift]

The dogs and that cat give her and her children a sense of HOME. Even though they are lacking shelter, home is who you are with, not always what covers you.

[@fikirm1283]

Thank u for reporting this as an Ethiopian when I go back home and see this it’s breaks my heart I honestly don’t know how this is not a priority for the government the people there are desensitised to it to the inequality and the unfairness of it all the government job is not to errect more high rising building and places but this they are the buildings and lives that should matter more than making the streets look nice on billions of borrowed money I know it a complex issue but honestly to offer no assistance at all to this women and people at all is neglect because the government does have capacity

[@24Ayiolaf]

Because your government is too busy chasing after Somalia and it's sea. Amusingly Your government doesn't have the power to do this Focus on yourselves

[@Oharadanny123abcdefg]

Why leave ? Why not try to improve the country?

[@fikirm1283]

@@Oharadanny123abcdefg have u seen the politics do you really think this type of government has places for people like me and also there other way to help the country doesn’t have shortage of capable people the problem is the ethnic and corrupt politics

[@princesmooth8302]

​@@fikirm1283They'd rather you fight and die for a state that's been completely unwilling to change for decades now. Countries change through revolution or reform, and the latter isnt achieved without the threat of the former.

[@redcandi01]

A lot of people say the translation is wrong... did you pick up on that?

[@gstrathmore194]

Dogs are a woman's best friend.

[@V4Now]

Man and woman's best friend.

[@skycloud4802]

And a dog doesn't have any love for money. Loyalty.

[@sareeyemanusqaame8723]

Abiye Ahmed can't solve the destitution in Ethiopia but he wants to expand and occupy all the neighboring countries because he wants to have his little empire Ethiopian dreams when he can't even feed the people in his care!

[@dragonkloop6731]

ya africa sufferes with leaders who don't care about their people

[@yareds265]

​@dragonkloop6731 it's not the truth. Do your own research

[@Ti5526-n6n]

​@dragonkloop6731 it not about not caring he actually want murder as and drink our.blood

[@mikemenelik8193]

And he´s building a new palace - what a shame !

[@rasras1608]

@@sareeyemanusqaame8723 you need to distinguish between Ethiopia and Oromo. Abiy represents Oromo extremist ideology and expansion. He is even waginng war on the people of AMHARA and Tigrai. We are against his expansion ideology. Don't mention Ethiopia along with Abiy Ahmed. Oromo is the word

[@singinggum]

Heartbreaking.

[@juliet7703]

This is why sometimes I do not watch the news ..utterly depressing

[@yareds265]

It's a fabricated story, addis ababa has made significant progress, but they will never show you the good parts

[@scarlettkhan9667]

May God Protect you and your family my dear. I hope you get a home soon xx

[@juliet7703]

And God protect the dogs too keeping the women safe 🙏🏾

[@scarlettkhan9667]

Yes may they be well fed and watered and kept safe as they are on the streets too x

[@briannadickson2884]

​@@scarlettkhan9667 Useless.

[@emptyhad2571]

Dogs are literally man’s best friend

[@Kaa864]

Wow this just makes you appreciate life more , be grateful everyday for even just a roof over your head!

[@koolkarl7464]

That is how I feel everytime I visit Ethiopia, thank god I have a good paying job in America.

[@Juggernauts_N_Barbs]

Please Father God protect these woman and children and your animals at all cost in Jesus name Amen 🙏🏾 ❤

[@Letstalk295]

I don't understand how the women and children don't make it to counties like the USA or uk but a lot of men are. This really pisses me off because even in countries in war have a way to protect the women and children

[@patricialambert1827]

May God bless these women…sending out prayers for these families. Stay strong ladies, your God goes before you!🙏🏾😪💕❤️💕

[@ZimkaLulu]

I will protect myself in this dark world. ❤ Always

[@debrak3594]

My heart breaks for these women, children, and stray animals. Civil wars complicate already dire circumstances caused by climate change, famine, disease, and abject poverty.

[@kimmenor6064]

This has nothing to do with climate change it’s a thug militia get with it

[@anaispersephone6041]

punishing and criminalizing poor people who already don't have anything to live on is so backwards.

[@everythinglidd]

Growing up in Ethiopia I remember there were a lot of stray dogs and I used to be terrified of them.. 20 years later nothing has changed. No resources to help the people in need & still at war. Sad 😔

[@RedV321-p9z]

Terrified of the dogs?! I’d be more terrified of the people especially the men the woman mentioned who harass her and killed her dog.

[@helpanimals-]

Dogs aren't the problem. Humans are as always

[@marigoldbeam5475]

War is senseless. May peace be restored quickly. Where is UNHCR?

[@realDunalTrimp]

Not their problem.

[@sebleashagre4685]

Thank you for sharing our people's suffering 🙏

[@yesyes-qu3ny]

I was born and live still in addis , you have done good

[@Moabayi-yf6ul]

As an African/Nigerian, I say SHAME on Ethiopia for allowing her people to live on the streets. We only have this among thugs and runaway youths in Lagos. You can’t find a single of our elderly people in Nigeria on the streets. NEVER!!!

[@iknow9894]

We are losing our Humanity. We are supposed to take care of one another. What happened to unity. God protect these women and children.🙏🏾💔

[@marciacoco9549]

This is so sad these poor women and their children. 🙏🏻🙏🏻 for them ❤

[@lulumoon6942]

Absolutely certain this is one of the covered aspects our pact with dog pacts! Strength to her! 🙏🕊️

[@MichaelKirus]

I’m Ethiopian, and I personally really appreciate channel 4 for sharing this information.

[@debrak3594]

To the man who said charity begins at home: I saw a tv show where a man was living under a bridge in the US and was shown poverty like this in the third world. He said, We should help them. At least I can get food and help if I need it.

[@RighteousPursuit]

i pray the reporters provide financial assistance to these people. Oh God bless them, let them come to know you, praise you and stand up against these dark principalities in every corner and tunnel of the earth. Bless them , renew the ruin.

[@ICONICPARIS]

What a horrible world we live in

[@hanahana8904]

Thank you for sharing this , appreciate it also that’s is a Amharic. I am a young ethiopian born living outside of my country and to show this is important

[@purpleness64]

A mutually beneficial relationship

[@moregravity033]

Lil earth angels all around the world 🐕❤ i hope her and her children stay safe. How heartbreaking.

[@kellymckeever.6]

Heart breaking 😢

[@ttthaiss]

Humanity's greatest partnership!

[@bondjames4053]

This breaks my heart

[@ravenanondaze]

Jehovah bless this family and the dogs. Amen.

[@eleanorcyr6751]

It’s crazy Lord Amen 🙏!

[@ssuwandi3240]

Bless the🐶🐶🐶

[@chriscats61]

Dogs more safe then men. SMH !!

[@johnketema8880]

The subtitles aren't even close to being accurate for half of the sentences. I'm shocked that they let this through

[@saved2501]

Evil 😈 Abiy Ahmed destroyed the country. This is so hard to watch.

[@sareeyemanusqaame8723]

Abiye Ahmed didn't destroy the country the dictator melez zenawi and his CIA handlers have destroyed the country

[@yareds265]

Lier he's doing a wonderful job. This news is a propaganda. Shame on channel 4. The truth is Abiys government is doing a remarkable job, as always the western media doesn't wanna show the positive side of Addis and Africa governments. When's this ever gonna change?????

[@feruzaadem5456]

It was like that before he was in power

[@ambessashield9360]

Poverty didn’t exist in Ethiopia before Abiy Ahmed? Ridiculous comment

[@ermiasdesta2381]

I bet your last name is TEKLAY

[@Sienisota]

This is why some cultures view dogs as unclean: They protect the family from its own members if necessary: Meaning you can't beat your wife or children without family dogs intervening

[@Aieshoo]

No, it's because dogs can carry diseases, like rabies.

[@brumbrum987654321]

​@@Aieshooand men carry diseases, like misogyny

[@labworm]

What the lady is saying and the English translation are totally different (starting from minute 01:07) and that is really misleading. It is such a shame..if you are going to make a report make it the right way. But thanks for showing what is going on in my country

[@realDunalTrimp]

Shame shame shame shame shame shame shame shame shame shame shame shame shame shame

[@hereiswisdom]

What is the lady saying??

[@Ethiopian_Perspective]

hmmm.... she's talking about demolition of houses and that she's no source of income and can't beg either....they live off some food handed out from restaurants (food that restaurant customers partly ate and left )

[@hereiswisdom]

@@Ethiopian_Perspective I'm so sorry to hear that. That is truly sad. May the Most High bless and protect these women and their children!

[@hereiswisdom]

@@Ethiopian_Perspective and thank you for translating.

[@H-youtube7]

Everywhere, the basics of clothes, food, shelter, protection for the young.. is achievable and in everyone's interest.

[@awinchester9094]

I live in Texas and my pit bull rides with me in my van. We never have road rage issues. :)

[@katiedid1851]

I just donated to Samaritan's Purse, in North Carolina . My heart hurts... so many people are suffering.

[@deeannepurchase3323]

Dogs have always protected

[@Asdfghjklzxcvb-u5p]

I would donate to this woman if there was some link on here that’s what people should do

[@Alpha-sf9bh]

Corruption everywhere causing innocent people to suffer.

[@doracotterell2863]

Someone should start up a fundraiser for her family of dogs & children. She has a talent for animals and gets to achieve a way out of this dismal property. Housing & education is what the fundraiser should help with.

[@samaki9191]

It is sad that the Ethiopian government worries more about modifying streets than changing people's life that are on strees. One last thing: The translation is BAD. Like the translation starting from 1:05 - 1:15 is COMPLETELY wrong. She is talking about propeties/homes being removed in the last 2 years ( nothing about her life).

[@mirkkasalo5868]

Bless these dogs and all stray dogs, they are usually very friendly ❣️

[@aaddisababa5352]

Some of the translations are completely wrong specially at 1:05 - 1:15 she was talking about something completely different

[@realDunalTrimp]

Not she wasn't. You are nuts

[@aaddisababa5352]

You don’t even speak Amharic you little weirdo

[@aaddisababa5352]

@@realDunalTrimpDo you even speak Amharic? You little weirdo

[@kimkim-tx4lk]

Wat sorts of time has arrived Women feel safer among dogs than among humans bt she trust a rite thing 🙏

[@hannahb3854]

Sarmra has a special place in my heart she is a good kind human being the dogs love her and her kids god bless them all and I pray for a better life for them all ❤

[@rasras1608]

Ladies and Gentlemen please report this as misinformation to get the attention of the editor of Channel 4. The interpretations are different from what the interviewees are saying. Is this some kind of propaganda for Abiy Ahmed. This reporter should be suspended

[@cizamagdalenamotherofmercy8334]

That government has to help those women , There is no excuse to let them end up on the streets with little kids. Where are women organizations?

[@koolkarl7464]

I can tell you've never been to Ethiopia.

[@truegrit7697]

Are you kidding? There are no women organizations - its a muslim country.

[@shaunamarie1053]

Praying for Africa.Terrible situation.

[@AhJodie]

Illegal to beg, that is the same in USA, and in America, it is illegal to sleep in some places too..... humans need each other, ethics, and love. We have enough that no one should be suffering. Love to us all!

[@samuelseyoum-st3dq]

Thank you you are being voice for voiceless

[@JJ-mn8md]

Dogs are always a blessing

[@jalastarchild]

I sure hope those dogs protect them

[@GrowWildOutdoors]

Clearly intelligent & capable women and children living on the streets. I wonder how we can expedite resilience for people who lack social capital. Even one support with access to resources would be a lifeline for these families.

[@AD-bx5fm]

Imagine that, a woman having more faith in stray dogs than fellow human beings. Meanwhile, billionaires with their obscene wealth run amok buying and building useless things. These two realities should never have been allowed to coexist

[@odetteverano7146]

One of the most possible reasons wild dogs and humans became friends is because of need and protection from predators and against warring tribes. Mans bestfriend indeed

[@FranSanTeeth90]

Outcasts protecting each other

[@Weirdkauz]

Dogs are good company. May she thrive!

[@ahmedd5644]

Abiy Ahmed’s ridiculous policies both domestically and internationally have brought the nation to its knees (literally). Unless he is deposed, nothing will change. 🤦🏾‍♂️🇪🇹

[@NDNTYMisL8]

This is truly heartbreaking, if any people needed to flee to the U.S.A. its these women and Iranian women not millions of men that are selling fentenol, gangs and trafficking.

[@maxineh.6763]

I find it interesting in the concept of relying on a stray dog for protection than a gun or a knife. Something for American homeless women to keep in mind to prevent rape and sexual assault.

[@martineinfrance]

Genuine people respect animals !👏👏

[@richellegill8442]

Very smart woman. What a shame for her

[@faebalina7786]

There is no welfare net sadly in these places and the people keep flooding in from the rural areas and regions of conflict.Ultimately it’s the governments responsibility.These women seem willing to work and their children can go to school.I hope they get the help they need.

[@royalnigus6616]

This is what happens when a fool is the prime minister of a such a diverse country. He has failed in internal and foreign policy, bad relations with kenya, somalia, eritrea, egypt etc. Wars in tigrey, amhara region and eritrea has already taken two cities. Sudan also displaced some of the people inside ethiopia. Unbelievable state we are in.

[@anitamarshall9804]

Woman's best friend ❤

[@loriweikel9551]

Dogs are awesome 💯👍🏼👍🏼♥️ God Bless these people 🙏🏼😇💙😇💙🙏🏼😇💙🙏🏼😇💙

[@deez_7174]

The subtitles are completely incorrect

[@Riyaonlive]

Life in an artificially created patriarchy is hard

[@mohamedissa8834]

Just like Somalia Africans condemned to extreme poverty may God bring relief to the African nations and poor economic conditions of Africa

[@richardhanley4279]

Lord God thank you for sending these beautiful creatures for us. Halellujah 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 ❤❤❤❤❤

[@tonyengland420]

The dogs are more then just pets thier mankind's best friend

[@Angelface11]

Ill help her and them for helping these animals

[@cocopucks]

These are strays not wild dogs