November 6, 2025

Peacebuilding Culture & Gender Roles Training in Bilate Zuria, Sidama Region On October 31- November 1, a four-day training, discussion, and experience-sharing session was held in Balela, Bilate Zuria Woreda of the Sidama Region, organized by Ethiopian Women Peacebuilders (EWPBs) representatives Dr. Berhan and Wudnesh. Supported by UKFCDO, ACCORD, and NEWA, the initiative aimed to strengthen collaboration between community elders and youth for sustainable peacebuilding and conflict resolution. The session was officially opened by Ms. Yididya Abebe, Program Coordinator at NEWA, who highlighted the importance of active and meaningful participation of women in peacebuilding.Four respected community elders, three women and one man, were selected for their extensive peacebuilding experience and community acceptance to share knowledge with 20 youth representatives (10 young women and 10 young men) from 20 kebeles of Bilate Zuria.Before the experience-sharing began, the EWPBs facilitators introduced core principles of peacebuilding and conflict resolution. Elders then shared insights into Sidama’s traditional peacebuilding systems, including the Sera System, Afini Reconciliation System, Gudumaalee Council, and Arara Reconciliation System, all of which have historically supported conflict resolution in the community.They also emphasized the Sidama principle of “Halaale” — a cultural value rooted in truth and peace. Elders reflected on how, over the past 10 years, these indigenous mechanisms, alongside religious councils and legal structures, have been used to address various conflicts both within and outside the woreda. They noted that no single mechanism alone could fully resolve conflicts, highlighting the importance of combining approaches.The Youth were reminded of the Sidama culture of calm dialogue, consultation with elders, and thoughtful decision-making as key to maintaining peace. The session reinforced the significance of preserving traditional knowledge and cultural customs in promoting sustainable peace and reconciliation.To conclude, participants took part in a training on gender roles and communication skills, aimed at enhancing their capacity in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and leading community dialogues.