July 27, 2026

NEWA Hands Over Women and Girls Safe Space in Hagereselam to Strengthen GBV Response On Friday, 24 July 2025, the Network of Ethiopian Women’s Associations (NEWA) officially handed over a newly established and partially furnished Women and Girls Safe Space (WGSS) in Hagereselam, Tigray Region. The safe space marks an important milestone in strengthening protection and support services for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), and women and girls in the community. The safe space provides a secure, accessible, and confidential environment where women and girls can receive psychosocial support, case management, information, referrals, and empowerment services. In addition to constructing the facility, NEWA provided essential furniture and equipment to support quality, survivor-centered service delivery. The handover ceremony was led by Mrs. Saba G/Medhin, Executive Directress of NEWA, who officially transferred the safe space and its equipment to the Hagereselam Women Affairs Office. The facility was formally received by Mrs. Grimawit Fitsum, head of the Hagereselam Women Affairs Office, who reaffirmed her office’s commitment to managing the center effectively and ensuring quality services for women and girls. In her remarks, Mrs. Saba reaffirmed NEWA’s unwavering commitment to the prevention of and response to GBV and CRSV. She highlighted NEWA’s contribution, alongside Ethiopian peace builders and the Ethiopian Peace Table, to advancing sustainable peace and protecting women and girls during conflict. While celebrating the establishment of the safe space, she emphasized that much more remains to be done to address the needs of survivors and vulnerable women and girls. Mrs. Grimawit Fitsum expressed her appreciation for NEWA’s support and highlighted the social and economic challenges facing women and girls in Hagereselam. She called for greater investment in livelihood and economic empowerment programs to help women rebuild their lives with dignity and resilience. Dr. Kiros Yirga, Medical Director of Hagereselam Primary Hospital, highlighted the importance of integrated services for survivors and emphasized the need for additional medical equipment, medicines, and other essential supplies to strengthen healthcare services for the community. NEWA extends its sincere appreciation to Hagereselam Primary Hospital for providing land within its compound for the construction of the safe space and for serving as a key referral partner for survivors. We also express our heartfelt gratitude to the United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence against Women (UNTF) for its generous financial support and to the Rise and Shine Women Empowerment Center for its valuable partnership and technical support in successfully establishing the safe space. The successful handover reflects the strong collaboration between government institutions, healthcare providers, civil society organizations, and development partners in advancing survivor-centered services. NEWA remains committed to expanding protection, recovery, and empowerment opportunities so that every woman and girl can live in safety, dignity, and hope. Together, let us continue investing in protection, justice, healing, and economic empowerment for women and girls. Every contribution brings us one step closer to ending violence against women and girls. 0 002 001 003 005 004 WhatsApp Image 2026-07-27 at 3.23.27 PM 0Q6A0323 006 0Q6A0331 Load More End of Content.