May 2025

NEWA Hosts Training to Combat FGM and Child Marriage in Ethiopia Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – In a significant move toward eliminating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Child, Early, and Forced Marriage (CEFM), the Network of  Ethiopian Women’s Associations (NEWA) conducted an intensive Training of Trainers workshop from May 21–23, 2025. Held in Addis Ababa, the event brought together 18 participants from the Amhara, Oromia, and Somali regions, as well as the capital, to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle these harmful practices. During the three-day session, attendees explored the root causes and consequences of FGM and CEFM, examined their impact on human rights and gender equality, and learned how to challenge ingrained societal norms. The training also emphasized strategies to counter common justifications for these practices, alongside developing action plans to drive change within their communities. By fostering informed local advocates, this initiative represents a vital step toward eradicating FGM and child marriage, reinforcing Ethiopia’s commitment to protecting women and girls from harmful traditions. 495205809_717648473959197_1054205266336856328_n 498327040_717648440625867_2115736358427453737_n 499546643_717650277292350_6800948055892828827_n 499580213_717650263959018_8940777473700417378_n 499738463_717650343959010_6253015285511979438_n 499762727_717650267292351_3428134385984851433_n 499927653_717648477292530_5751107784469120103_n

Successful Capacity-Building Training on National GBV SOP and VAW Strategy NEWA is pleased to announce the successful completion of a two-day capacity-building training focused on the National Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and the Violence Against Women (VAW) strategy. Held from May 7-8, 2025, at the YATU International Hotel in Beshoftu, the training brought together 21 participants who are representatives from various CSOs, WRO, and other associations involved in GBV response efforts. The primary objective of the training was to enhance the capacity of participants to effectively utilize the national GBV SOP and VAW strategy, ultimately improving responses to GBV at all levels. The sessions were designed to be engaging and participatory, ensuring that the content was directly relevant to the participants’ practical work environments. An overview of the national GBV SOP and VAW strategy Survivor-centered principles in GBV response Multi-sectoral coordination and referral systems GBV risk mitigation in school and humanitarian settings Practical applications of tools for GBV case management, monitoring, and accountability Participants actively engaged in simulations and hands-on exercises, which facilitated the practical application of their newfound knowledge. Participants became familiar with the newly formulated National SOP for GBV response, enabling them to effectively address GBV cases in accordance with the SOP. This training not only equipped attendees with vital skills but also fostered a collaborative network among participants from both Addis Ababa and regional implementers. Overall, the training was a significant step forward in enhancing GBV response strategies, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact of these efforts in the community. photo_2025-05-09_09-07-08 photo_2025-05-09_09-07-03 (3) photo_2025-05-09_09-07-03 (2) photo_2025-05-09_09-07-02 photo_2025-05-09_09-07-02 (2) photo_2025-05-09_09-07-01

Empowering Women Leaders: NEWA has organized a four-day training session on Women’s Political Leadership and Gender Equality The Network of Ethiopian Women’s Associations (NEWA) has organized a four-day training session on Women’s Political Leadership and Gender Equality. Held from May 6 to 9, 2025, at Ruftana Hotel in Semera town, this initiative is financially supported by UN Women. The training brings together 33 women politicians representing six political parties active in the Afar Regional State. Among the participants, two are women with disabilities, highlighting the commitment to inclusivity. The primary aim of this program is to enhance the political leadership skills of women in politics, empowering them to become influential and transformational leaders equipped to drive meaningful change.

Strengthening Impact Through Outcome Harvesting From April 28–30, 2025, NEWA, in collaboration with Oxfam under the WE- Care Project, conducted a comprehensive three-day Outcome Harvesting training at Jupiter Hotel. This training equipped our staff with advanced tools to capture and analyze the outcomes of our initiatives, enhancing our Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) systems.Key components of the training included:Foundations of Outcome Harvesting: Understanding the concepts, context, and design of Outcome Harvesting, and its application in gender advocacy. Application of Outcome Harvesting: Developing practical skills in drafting outcome statements and verifying outcomes. Integration and Analysis: Incorporating Outcome Harvesting into NEWA’s MEAL system, analyzing outcomes, and translating insights into actionable strategies.Pre- and post-training assessments indicated significant knowledge gains among participants, underscoring the training’s effectiveness. This initiative has strengthened our capacity to monitor and evaluate our programs, ensuring greater accountability and continuous improvement.