NEWA hosted a sensitization & a consultation workshop for strengthening the GBV-CE to enhance GBV advocacy
A pivotal step was taken today in Ethiopia’s fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), as 31 representatives (27 females and 4 males) from women-led and women’s rights organizations convened at Kaleb Hotel for a high-level Sensitization and Consultation Workshop. The event, organized by the Network of Ethiopian Women’s Associations (NEWA), aimed to reinforce collective action through the Anti-Gender-Based Violence Campaign – Ethiopia (GBV-CE).
Founded in 2006, the GBV-CE network has served as a united platform for civil society and advocacy groups to combat GBV, challenge harmful traditional practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and child marriage, and honor the global 16 Days of Activism.
Key outcomes from the workshop included:
- A strategic review of recent research findings by GAGE
- The revitalization of GBV-CE’s collaborative structure
- The adoption of a new Terms of Reference (ToR) to guide operations
- Election of a new Executive Committee and cluster coordinators to lead priority areas: Prevention, Advocacy, Rehabilitation, Emergency Response, and Research
The following organizations were elected to head the cluster groups: EWDO, EWRA, AWSAD, MLWDA, and Article 35. In a further leadership update, AWSAD was selected as Vice Chair of the campaign, with EWRA appointed as Secretary, while NEWA continues to serve as Chair.
To enhance national representation, regional focal representatives were also appointed, bolstering coordination at the grassroots level.
This renewed momentum underscores Ethiopia’s commitment to ending GBV and fostering a safer, more equitable future for all.
