March 2025

Empowering Young Women: NEWA Hosted Intergenerational Dialogue in Dire Dawa In honor of International Women’s Day (March 8), the Network for Ethiopian Women’s Associations (NEWA), in partnership with the Dire Dawa Women’s Association, proudly hosted an intergenerational dialogue focused on women’s empowerment and youth leadership. The event was organized under the She Leads Projects initiative and brought together a vibrant mix of women leaders, role models, university students, and over 100 girls and young women. The dialogue served as a platform for open discussion on the challenges women face in society and how girls can rise to leadership positions. A panel discussion featuring representatives from the Dire Dawa Women’s Association and other stakeholders highlighted the power of collaboration and solidarity in driving positive change and amplifying women’s voices. Participants included students from Dire Dawa Boarding School, members of the Dire Dawa University Gender Club, representatives from the Ethiopian Young Women Voice (EYWV), BoWCSA, and local women’s organizations. The event offered rich opportunities for experience-sharing, with members of EYWV delivering powerful personal stories that inspired collective action. A key highlight of the event was the formation of a new Girls and Young Women (GYW) group, “የበረሃዋ ንግስት” (The Queen of the Desert), dedicated to supporting and empowering young women across the community. This group stands as a testament to the event’s commitment to youth engagement and long-term impact. Media representatives were also present, helping to amplify the voices and stories shared, reaching a broader audience beyond the event. NEWA extends heartfelt gratitude to all participants, contributors, and partners who helped make this event a success. Together, we continue to champion gender equality, inspire future leaders, and strengthen the role of women in building a better society.

NEWA Hosted Advocacy Training on Unpaid Care and Domestic Work in Ethiopia From March 11 to 14, the Network of Ethiopian Women Associations (NEWA) hosted a training on evidence-based policy advocacy focused on Unpaid Care and Domestic Work (UCDW) in Adama and Addis Ababa. The training gathered women’s associations, women-led organizations, and women’s rights groups from the Amhara and Oromia regions. Participants learned how to use research and data to advocate for policy changes that promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. The sessions focused on equipping women’s organizations with practical tools to influence local and national policies. The training marked a key step in empowering women’s organizations to drive meaningful change in their communities.