April 1, 2026

NEWA Convenes Multi-Stakeholder Forum to Strengthen Women’s Leadership and Participation The Network of Ethiopian Women’s Associations (NEWA), in partnership with CST Ethiopia, successfully hosted a Multi-Stakeholder Forum on March 30, 2026, at Yatu Hotel in Bishoftu. The forum brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the House of Peoples’ Representatives (HPR), the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), government institutions, partner organizations, and civil society actors. The gathering aimed to foster dialogue, share experiences, and strengthen collaboration to amplify women’s voices and promote their meaningful participation in leadership and decision-making processes.The event opened with welcoming remarks from NEWA’s Executive Director, Saba G/Medhin, who emphasized the importance of collective action in advancing gender equality and ensuring women’s representation across all levels of leadership. This was followed by a keynote address from Mrs. Kassech Abegaz, Women Empowerment Programme Manager at CST Ethiopia, who highlighted ongoing efforts and opportunities to enhance women’s empowerment in Ethiopia.A key session featured a presentation by Bilen Asrat, CEO of EthioAfric Raising Consulting Firm, who provided insights into the current status of women’s leadership and participation in decision-making in Ethiopia. Her presentation underscored both progress made and persistent gaps that require coordinated and sustained intervention.The forum also created space for partner organizations to share their experiences. Representatives from Women in Self-Employment (WISE) and the Association for Pastoralist Community for Change (APCfC) discussed practical approaches, challenges, and successes in advancing women’s leadership within their respective contexts.A panel discussion formed a central part of the program, focusing on the “Challenges and Opportunities of Women’s Meaningful Participation in Decision-Making.” The panel brought together diverse voices from government bodies, including HPR and NEBE, alongside civil society representatives. The discussion fostered a rich exchange on structural barriers, policy gaps, and actionable strategies to promote inclusive and transformative leadership. Participants actively engaged, contributing valuable perspectives and recommendations.The forum concluded with reflections on the way forward, emphasizing the need for sustained collaboration, strengthened policy advocacy, and continued capacity-building efforts to ensure women’s voices are not only heard but actively influence and shape decision-making processes at all levels.This Multi-Stakeholder Forum, organized in partnership with CST Ethiopia, marks another significant step by NEWA in its continued efforts to promote gender equality and strengthen the role of women in leadership across Ethiopia.