Powerful Community Mobilization Caravan Sweeps Fentale Woreda to End FGM, Child Marriage, and Violence Against Children
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