January 9, 2026

Enhancing Grassroots Women’s Involvement in the Transitional Justice Process in Ethiopia When NEWA allies with ICTJ, women’s voices are amplified in the transitional justice process in Ethiopia.In 2025, the Network of Ethiopian Women’s Associations (NEWA), in partnership with the International Centre for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) and the Advocacy Centre for Democracy and Development (ACDD), and with financial support from the European Union, organised a series of two-day community dialogues in four regions.   These sessions were delivered in collaboration with regional NEWA partners Siinqee Women Development Association (SWDA) in Oromia and Hiigsi Women Development Organisation (HWDO) in the Somali Region, and extended to Mekelle, Tigray, with Rise and Shine Women Empowerment Centre, and Dessie, Amhara, with Beza for Women Community Base Development Association. Through Community dialogue circles brought together 20 women participants in each four regions. The community dialogues introduced transitional justice concepts for participants and gathered powerful grassroots transitional justice perspectives. These community dialogues highlight the critical importance of amplifying women’s voices in transitional justice, ensuring Ethiopia’s path toward justice and reconciliation is inclusive, survivor-centered, and responsive to grassroots realities. The participant highlighted that transitional justice processes are needed for women’s inclusion in decision-making and psychosocial support, while also calling for improvements in communication and awareness creation.