The Ethiopian Women Peacebuilders (EWPB) is the first of its kind in Ethiopia. Initiated by the Network of Ethiopian Women’s Association (NEWA), the EWPB is designed as a broad-based and inclusive organization of women peacebuilders, composed of organizations and individuals from every region of our country. It is designed to create empowered women at the grassroots, build capacity, embed them as agents of peace in their institutions and communities, and coordinate activities of women peacebuilders. EWPB intends for women’s agencies to be respected and for their perspectives to influence decision-making at all levels, contributing to the WPS NAP design and implementation in Ethiopia. The process is designed in such a way that it ensures a safe, convenient, genuine, and natural space for the most vulnerable women to own the process of articulating their peace and security agenda in their localities and languages.

The ‘Buna Le Selam’ project, is therefore designed to redress these gaps that have discriminated against half of the population because of the discriminatory social fabrics, combined with the existing conflict, drought, and other crises. The project aims to ignite a transformative dialogue, nurturing a safe space for women to confront the scars of conflict and envision a peaceful future. By fostering open discussions about the impact of war, ‘Ethiopian Women Peace Builders’ empowers women to become architects of peace, translating their newfound knowledge into tangible action within their communities.”To date, the project has completed, Peace community conversations in 16 districts of eight regions, three inter-regional dialogues between six neighboring regions, and eight regional-level advocacy workshops with the relevant government bodies. As a final Miliston, the project produced a “Coffee for Peace outcome launching document” that shows the process and the findings of a women’s community conversation on peace. This project has a significant contribution to the advancement of women’s peace and security in Ethiopia. Engaging women at all levels of society and helping to ensure their perspectives are taken into account in peacebuilding and security processes.