August 2026

Powerful Community Mobilization Caravan Sweeps Fentale Woreda to End FGM, Child Marriage, and Violence Against Children https://newaethiopia.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/video_2026-08-24_22-25-14.mp4 FENTALE WOREDA, ETHIOPIA — In a resounding collective stand for human rights, gender equality, and child protection, over 5,000 community members were reached today during a high-impact, public mobilization caravan across Fentale Woreda in the East Shewa Zone of the Oromia region. The event was spearheaded by the Network of Ethiopian Women’s Associations (NEWA) in close collaboration with Tarkanfi Sustainable Development (TSD) and the Fentale Woreda Women and Social Affairs Office. This initiative is part of the broader project titled “Empowering Women-Led Associations and Community Structures to End FGM, Child Marriage, and Violence Against Children,” generously funded by UNICEF Ethiopia. A Convergence of Culture, Leadership, and Advocacy The day opened with traditional blessings from Oromo Aba Gadaa elders and energetic musical performances by local youth bands, setting an inspiring, culturally resonant tone for the mobilization. Key leaders and stakeholders delivered passionate opening addresses emphasizing unity and sustainable social change: Worknesh Begi, Executive Directress of Tarkanfi Sustainable Development (TSD), reaffirmed her organization’s unwavering commitment to dismantling harmful traditional practices (HTPs)—specifically Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Child Marriage (CM)—through direct grassroots engagement. Saba Gebremedhin, Executive Directress of NEWA, highlighted NEWA’s long-standing dedication to advancing gender equality, combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and eradicating HTPs across Ethiopia. She extended deep gratitude to the local community, government stakeholders, religious and traditional leaders, and funding partner UNICEF Ethiopia for their steadfast support. Key speeches were also delivered by the Fentale Woreda Administrator, the Woreda Women and Social Affairs Office Head, local Hadha Siiqqee (Oromo women leaders), and Aba Gadaa** elders, all pledging unified institutional and traditional alignment against child abuse and early marriage. Dynamic Public Outreach & Edutainment Across Kebeles The mobilization blended rich cultural traditions with interactive Social and Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC) tools: Cultural & Creative Arts: The gathering featured traditional coffee ceremonies, symbolic bread cutting, educational drama, poetry recitations, and live music designed to spark dialogue and challenge harmful social norms. Mobile Sound & Caravan Outreach: Vehicles equipped with banners, anti-FGM/CM placards, and high-powered Montarbo loudspeakers traversed multiple villages and Kebeles across Fentale Woreda. The mobile units brought critical awareness, legal referral details, and protection messages directly to thousands of residents. SBCC Materials: Attendees and youth facilitators were outfitted with printed campaign T-shirts, informative brochures, placards, and visibility banners to maximize campaign engagement and message retention. Unyielding Community Commitment The mobilization concluded on a historic note, as local administrative authorities, traditional leaders, and community members forged a common stance to eliminate FGM and child marriage. The event officially closed with sacred blessings and commitment pledges from traditional elders, followed by concluding remarks from the Fentale Woreda Women and Social Affairs Office. Through vehicle-supported public outreach and widespread distribution of SBCC materials, the joint initiative successfully reached more than 5,000 individuals in a single day—marking a major milestone in strengthening grassroots protection networks for women and children in Oromia. photo_2026-08-17_02-22-52 photo_2026-08-17_13-39-59 (2) photo_2026-08-17_13-39-59 photo_2026-08-17_13-40-01 photo_2026-08-24_22-24-07

Strengthening Staff Well-being Through Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) With the support of the Malala Fund, NEWA successfully conducted a Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) training for its staff on August 1, 2026, at Nora Resort, Bishoftu.The training aimed to strengthen staff understanding of mental health and psychosocial support, enhance self-awareness, and equip participants with practical strategies to promote their well-being in both their professional and personal lives. Through interactive discussions, practical exercises, and reflective sessions, participants explored stress management techniques, self-care practices, psychological resilience, and approaches to fostering a healthy and supportive workplace.The training provided a refreshing and enriching experience, allowing staff to reconnect, reflect on their well-being, and recognize the importance of prioritizing mental health while delivering quality services to communities. It also reinforced NEWA’s commitment to creating a supportive work environment where staff well-being is valued as an essential component of organizational effectiveness. photo_2026-08-07_05-01-07 photo_2026-08-07_05-01-27 photo_2026-08-07_05-01-56 photo_2026-08-07_05-02-11 photo_2026-08-07_05-02-25 photo_2026-08-07_05-02-55 photo_2026-08-07_05-03-45 (2) photo_2026-08-07_05-03-54 photo_2026-08-07_05-03-57

Cultural Caravan Rallies Jigjiga Against Harmful Practices https://newaethiopia.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/video_2026-08-07_11-46-06.mp4 Jigjiga, Somali Region – July 25, 2026 — The Network of Ethiopian Women’s Associations (NEWA), in partnership with UNICEF, successfully launched a high-impact Community Caravan and Cultural Performance outreach in Jigjiga. The initiative brought together local residents, youth, and leaders to drive action against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), child marriage, and violence against children across the region.By combining live cultural entertainment with targeted advocacy, the event created an engaging public forum designed to address deeply rooted social norms through open dialogue.Fusing Tradition with AdvocacyThe caravan’s success hinged on a dynamic mix of live music and traditional Somali dances. These performances celebrated the region’s rich artistic heritage while creating a welcoming environment for honest conversations on challenging topics. The live cultural displays drew large crowds, maintaining high energy throughout the day and ensuring core human rights messages resonated in a culturally grounded, accessible way.To reinforce the event’s core message, NEWA deployed a comprehensive visual strategy:• Custom T-shirts carrying clear advocacy messages were worn by staff, religious leaders, women, youth, and community members.• Strategic placement of placards and banners around Jigjiga ensured key messages were unmissable.• Informational brochures detailing the health, social, and legal consequences of FGM and early marriage were distributed directly to attendees.This multi-layered approach engaged both active event participants and passersby, turning public spaces in Jigjiga into active hubs for community advocacy. The event also achieved wide reach through live broadcasts on Somali Regional TV and digital streaming across YouTube, Facebook, and NEWA’s social media platforms.The Global and Local ImperativeGlobally, more than 230 million girls and women have undergone FGM, with over 2 million young girls subjected to the practice each year before their fifth birthday. Concurrently, 650 million women worldwide were married as children, including over 50 million in Eastern and Southern Africa. To eliminate these practices by 2030 in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 5.3, the global pace of progress must accelerate dramatically.While Ethiopia has made notable progress over the past two decades, national data often masks significant regional variations. Girls across different zones face distinct risks based on local social dynamics, economic pressures, and humanitarian conditions.Because harmful practices are sustained by social expectations and gender inequality, ending them requires shifting community norms at every level.A Movement Driven by Women-Led ActionSustainable change relies on building grassroots coalitions that empower communities to reject harmful practices. The Network of Ethiopian Women’s Association recognized for its extensive network of 55 member organizations across federal and regional levels, NEWA was selected to lead this movement in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs (MoWSA), regional BoWSAs, and UNICEF support.Drawing on over two decades of advocacy—including leading the landmark national Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Campaign established in 2006—NEWA utilizes a socio-ecological approach to mobilize community influencers, religious leaders, youth, and local organizations.Through ongoing regional caravans, technical guidance, and direct community engagement, NEWA and its partners continue to build momentum toward a safer, more equitable future for every girl and woman in Ethiopia.Relevant Hashtags#EndFGM #EndChildMarriage #ProtectTheGirlChild #SomaliRegion #NEWAEthiopia #UNICEF #HerVoiceHerFuture #16DaysOfActivism #GenderEquality #Ethiopia photo_2026-07-25_01-50-54 photo_2026-07-27_13-29-46 photo_2026-08-05_18-44-54 photo_2026-08-05_18-44-55 (2) photo_2026-08-05_18-44-55 photo_2026-08-05_18-44-56 (2) photo_2026-08-05_18-44-56 photo_2026-08-05_18-44-57 (2) photo_2026-08-05_18-44-57 photo_2026-08-05_18-44-58 (2) Load More End of Content.

Strengthening Partnerships to Advance Girls’ Education On July 25, 2026, with the support of the Malala Fund, NEWA successfully established the Regional Coalition to advocating girls education and Safe Schools in Tigray region, Mekelle City.The coalition was established to create a sustainable multi-stakeholder platform that advances girls’ education and promotes safe, and protecting schools for all children, particularly girls. It aims to strengthen collaboration, coordination, and collective advocacy for the endorsement and implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration (SSD) across the region.The coalition brings together representatives from regional government bureaus, civil society organizations (CSOs), and other key stakeholders, who share a common commitment to protecting education and ensuring that every child—especially girls—can learn in a safe and supportive environment.During the establishment meeting, participants discussed the coalition’s objectives, roles, and collaborative approaches to promoting the Safe Schools.The establishment of the Regional Safe Schools Coalition marks a significant milestone in NEWA’s ongoing efforts, to strengthen local ownership and foster strategic partnerships on advancing Girls Education. 0Q6A0476 0Q6A0488 0Q6A0490 0Q6A0494 0Q6A0557 0Q6A0560 0Q6A0579 0Q6A0589 0Q6A0593 0Q6A0602 Load More End of Content.

Promoting the Safe Schools Declaration (SSD) in Tigray Region Partnership with the Malala Fund, NEWA remains committed to advancing girls’ education and advocating the endorsement and implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration (SSD), contributing every girl in conflict-affected regions of Ethiopia has access to safe, inclusive, and quality education.On July 24, 2026, NEWA successfully conducted a Safe Schools Declaration (SSD) Training in Mekelle City, Tigray Region, at Amdina Hotel.The training aimed to strengthen the capacity of government institutions and key stakeholders to promote Safe Schools Declaration (SSD), contributing to safer, more inclusive, and protective learning environments for all children—particularly girls in conflict-affected areas.The session brought together representatives from regional government bureaus, civil society organizations (CSOs), and community-based organizations (CBOs), providing a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and collective action to protect education.The training also strengthened partnerships among key stakeholders, reinforcing a shared vision of ensuring that schools remain places of safety, learning, and hope. 0Q6A0281 0Q6A0305 0Q6A0308 0Q6A0411 0Q6A0414 0Q6A0419 0Q6A0423 0Q6A0435 0Q6A0448 0Q6A0462

Empowering Girls to Champion Safe Schools and Human Rights in Tigray NEWA successfully conducted a Safe Schools and Human Rights Training for adolescent girls from Mekelle and Adigrat in Mekelle City in July 23, 2026 at Amdina Hotel.The training aimed to strengthen girls’ knowledge and understanding of the Safe and Protective Schools, international human rights standards, and the fundamental rights of girls to education, protection, participation, and dignity. Through interactive discussions and learning sessions, girls enhanced their capacity to recognize their rights, advocate for safe and inclusive learning environments, and become active voices for positive change within their schools and communities.The training brought together girls from diverse backgrounds, including girls with disabilities and internally displaced persons (IDPs), fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment. It provided a safe space for participants to share their experiences, learn from one another, strengthen their understanding of their rights, and build solidarity across different communities. Their active engagement and commitment demonstrated the vital role girls play in promoting safe, inclusive, and rights-based education.NEWA remains committed to advancing girls’ education and ensuring that every girl can learn in a safe, protective, and empowering environment. Together, we can build safer schools where every girl can learn, thrive, and lead. 0Q6A0268 0Q6A0031 0Q6A0050 0Q6A0071 0Q6A0090 0Q6A0094 0Q6A0102 0Q6A0201 0Q6A0207 0Q6A0219 Load More End of Content.