Strengthen the participation and leadership of women’s rights organizations in response to sexual and gender-based violence

NEWA, Ethiopia’s leading women’s network, is proud to announce a new project in collaboration with a Spanish corporation: “Strengthening the Participation and Leadership of Women’s Rights Organizations in Response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.” This ambitious initiative aligns perfectly with NEWA’s vision and mission:

Vision: An Ethiopian society where gender equality is a reality.
Mission: To empower women and girls through economic, social, political, and legal means, building a society where their rights are respected and their voices are heard.

Why is this project crucial?
SGBV remains a significant challenge in Ethiopia, impacting countless women and girls. NEWA recognizes that effectively addressing this issue requires a multi-pronged approach, and this project tackles it head-on by:

Building the capacity of NEWA’s member organizations: We’ll equip our members with the technical and institutional skills needed to effectively combat SGBV at the local level. This includes training on advocacy, service delivery, and community engagement.
Empowering women’s leadership: We’ll provide opportunities for women to take on leadership roles within their communities and organizations, driving change from the ground up.
Strengthening collaboration: We’ll foster partnerships with government agencies, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to create a comprehensive and coordinated response to SGBV.

How will this project benefit women and girls?
By strengthening the capacity of our members and empowering women leaders, this project will:

Increase access to essential services: More women will have access to SGBV prevention and support services, including legal aid, healthcare, and psychosocial counseling.
Amplify women’s voices: Women will be equipped to advocate for their rights and hold perpetrators accountable.
Shift harmful attitudes: Community engagement and leadership training will challenge harmful gender norms and promote positive attitudes towards women and girls.
Create a ripple effect: By empowering women at the local level, we can create a domino effect of positive change throughout Ethiopian society.

This project aligns with SDG 5:
Our work directly contributes to achieving SDG 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls, particularly Goal 5.5: Guarantee the full and effective participation of women and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life.