Author name: NEWA

NEWA Hosts Training to Combat FGM and Child Marriage in Ethiopia Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – In a significant move toward eliminating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Child, Early, and Forced Marriage (CEFM), the Network of  Ethiopian Women’s Associations (NEWA) conducted an intensive Training of Trainers workshop from May 21–23, 2025. Held in Addis Ababa, the event brought together 18 participants from the Amhara, Oromia, and Somali regions, as well as the capital, to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle these harmful practices. During the three-day session, attendees explored the root causes and consequences of FGM and CEFM, examined their impact on human rights and gender equality, and learned how to challenge ingrained societal norms. The training also emphasized strategies to counter common justifications for these practices, alongside developing action plans to drive change within their communities. By fostering informed local advocates, this initiative represents a vital step toward eradicating FGM and child marriage, reinforcing Ethiopia’s commitment to protecting women and girls from harmful traditions. 495205809_717648473959197_1054205266336856328_n 498327040_717648440625867_2115736358427453737_n 499546643_717650277292350_6800948055892828827_n 499580213_717650263959018_8940777473700417378_n 499738463_717650343959010_6253015285511979438_n 499762727_717650267292351_3428134385984851433_n 499927653_717648477292530_5751107784469120103_n

Successful Capacity-Building Training on National GBV SOP and VAW Strategy NEWA is pleased to announce the successful completion of a two-day capacity-building training focused on the National Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and the Violence Against Women (VAW) strategy. Held from May 7-8, 2025, at the YATU International Hotel in Beshoftu, the training brought together 21 participants who are representatives from various CSOs, WRO, and other associations involved in GBV response efforts. The primary objective of the training was to enhance the capacity of participants to effectively utilize the national GBV SOP and VAW strategy, ultimately improving responses to GBV at all levels. The sessions were designed to be engaging and participatory, ensuring that the content was directly relevant to the participants’ practical work environments. An overview of the national GBV SOP and VAW strategy Survivor-centered principles in GBV response Multi-sectoral coordination and referral systems GBV risk mitigation in school and humanitarian settings Practical applications of tools for GBV case management, monitoring, and accountability Participants actively engaged in simulations and hands-on exercises, which facilitated the practical application of their newfound knowledge. Participants became familiar with the newly formulated National SOP for GBV response, enabling them to effectively address GBV cases in accordance with the SOP. This training not only equipped attendees with vital skills but also fostered a collaborative network among participants from both Addis Ababa and regional implementers. Overall, the training was a significant step forward in enhancing GBV response strategies, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact of these efforts in the community. photo_2025-05-09_09-07-08 photo_2025-05-09_09-07-03 (3) photo_2025-05-09_09-07-03 (2) photo_2025-05-09_09-07-02 photo_2025-05-09_09-07-02 (2) photo_2025-05-09_09-07-01

Empowering Women Leaders: NEWA has organized a four-day training session on Women’s Political Leadership and Gender Equality The Network of Ethiopian Women’s Associations (NEWA) has organized a four-day training session on Women’s Political Leadership and Gender Equality. Held from May 6 to 9, 2025, at Ruftana Hotel in Semera town, this initiative is financially supported by UN Women. The training brings together 33 women politicians representing six political parties active in the Afar Regional State. Among the participants, two are women with disabilities, highlighting the commitment to inclusivity. The primary aim of this program is to enhance the political leadership skills of women in politics, empowering them to become influential and transformational leaders equipped to drive meaningful change.

Strengthening Impact Through Outcome Harvesting From April 28–30, 2025, NEWA, in collaboration with Oxfam under the WE- Care Project, conducted a comprehensive three-day Outcome Harvesting training at Jupiter Hotel. This training equipped our staff with advanced tools to capture and analyze the outcomes of our initiatives, enhancing our Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) systems.Key components of the training included:Foundations of Outcome Harvesting: Understanding the concepts, context, and design of Outcome Harvesting, and its application in gender advocacy. Application of Outcome Harvesting: Developing practical skills in drafting outcome statements and verifying outcomes. Integration and Analysis: Incorporating Outcome Harvesting into NEWA’s MEAL system, analyzing outcomes, and translating insights into actionable strategies.Pre- and post-training assessments indicated significant knowledge gains among participants, underscoring the training’s effectiveness. This initiative has strengthened our capacity to monitor and evaluate our programs, ensuring greater accountability and continuous improvement.

NEWA, in collaboration with Spanish Development Cooperation, successfully conducted a training on financial management for WROs NEWA, in collaboration with Spanish Development Cooperation, successfully conducted a two-day training on financial management for WROs from April 4–5, 2025, at Mado Hotel, Addis Ababa. The primary goal of this training was to enhance the financial management capabilities of WROs, thereby ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant financial reporting. Participants were equipped with essential tools and knowledge to promote transparency, sustainability, and effective resource management in advancing gender equality. The training commenced with welcoming remarks from Mrs. Yididya Abebe, Program Coordinator at NEWA, who underscored the critical role of sound financial management in fostering organizational accountability and long-term impact. A total of 27 participants attended the training, including 23 women and 4 men, with 12 representatives from regional WROs. The sessions addressed a range of important topics, including  fundamental financial management for NGOs, financial management tools, grant management, internal controls, the IPSAS framework and compliance, challenges in implementing IPSAS, common cost allocation methods, risks of noncompliance and mitigation strategies, as well as Peachtree Demo.   The training was designed to be engaging and participatory, , incorporating group activities, experience sharing, and practical exercises. Additionally, NEWA established a networking platform to facilitate ongoing collaboration and the exchange of experiences and resources among participants and trainers. At the conclusion of the training, participants provided feedback through Mentimeter, which indicated a successful and impactful session. Ms. Mahider Mekuannent, GBV Officer at NEWA, commended participants for their dedication and active engagement. She emphasized the importance of continued learning to strengthen financial systems and encouraged participants to disseminate the knowledge gained with colleagues who were unable to attend and to translate it into practical application. Through this initiative, NEWA continues to strengthen the financial systems of Women’s Rights Organizations, , thereby contributing meaningfully to the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and the promotion of gender equality.

Measuring and Valuing the Contribution of Unpaid Care and Domestic Work (UCDW) in National Economy (GDP) for an Improved Care Economy in Ethiopia’ A project titled “Coupling Unpaid Care Domestic Work with Local Development Agenda for Improved Care Systems in Ethiopia” is being implemented by the Network of Ethiopian Women’s Associations (NEWA) with financial support from the International Development Research Center (IDRC). As part of its efforts to enhance Ethiopia’s care economy, the project has initiated two studies: measuring and valuing the Contribution unpaid care and domestic work (UCDW) in national economy (GDP) and conducting implementation research on the national gender mainstreaming guidelines. The research titled “Measuring and Valuing the Contribution of Unpaid Care and Domestic Work (UCDW) to the National Economy (GDP) for an Improved Care Economy in Ethiopia” focuses on estimating the monetary value of unpaid work using two widely accepted methods: the replacement cost method and the opportunity cost method. These methods are used based on detailed data from the Ethiopian Time Use Survey (TUS, 2013) to categorize specific unpaid activities—referred to as extended System of National Accounts (SNA) activities—and wage information derived from the 2022 Ethiopian Employment and Unemployment Survey (EUES). The replacement cost method, calculates the cost of hiring someone to perform these unpaid tasks, reflecting their economic value in market terms. Based on this method, the estimated annual wage value of unpaid domestic work, care, and community services in Ethiopia amounts to ETB 1,039.23 billion, representing 16.8% of the 2022 GDP. The opportunity cost method, on the other hand emphasizes the economic trade-offs faced by individuals, who disproportionately shoulder unpaid work responsibilities. Based on this method, the estimated annual wage value of unpaid domestic work, care, and community services at ETB 1,394.88 billion, representing 22.6% of the 2022 GDP. These findings challenge conventional economic frameworks that exclude unpaid labor from GDP measurements, perpetuating its invisibility in national policy discourse. They underscore the critical economic and social value of UCDW, highlighting its foundational role in sustaining households and broader economic systems. Recognizing UCDW as a legitimate economic activity presents Ethiopia with an opportunity to address long-standing gaps in social protection, labor policy, and economic planning. On April 4, 2025, at Harmony Hotel in Addis Ababa, a validation workshop for the research was held, attended by state minister delegates from MoWSA, representatives of other implementing ministries, CSOs, and invited government and international non-governmental organizations.

NEWA Empowers Young Girls Through Resource Mobilization Training The Network of Ethiopian Women’s Association (NEWA), through She-Leads Project, successfully conducted a two-day training on Resource Mobilization, Proposal Writing, and Reporting for members of the Ethiopian Young Women Volunteers (EYWV) on March 28–29, 2025. Held at Azzeman Hotel, the training aimed to equip young girls with critical skills to advocate effectively and drive impactful change. Day 1 focused on foundational knowledge, offering an introduction to resource mobilization and strategic approaches. Participants learned the art of crafting compelling proposals and collaborated in groups to draft their ideas, receiving live feedback from trainers. Day 2 brought practical applications into the spotlight, allowing the participants to enhance their skills further. The training wrapped up with a session of reflections and a post-test, signaling not merely the conclusion of an event, but the beginning of a transformative journey. Empowered and equipped, the young girl advocates are now ready to mobilize resources and ignite meaningful change in their communities!

Empowering Young Women: NEWA Hosted Intergenerational Dialogue in Dire Dawa In honor of International Women’s Day (March 8), the Network for Ethiopian Women’s Associations (NEWA), in partnership with the Dire Dawa Women’s Association, proudly hosted an intergenerational dialogue focused on women’s empowerment and youth leadership. The event was organized under the She Leads Projects initiative and brought together a vibrant mix of women leaders, role models, university students, and over 100 girls and young women. The dialogue served as a platform for open discussion on the challenges women face in society and how girls can rise to leadership positions. A panel discussion featuring representatives from the Dire Dawa Women’s Association and other stakeholders highlighted the power of collaboration and solidarity in driving positive change and amplifying women’s voices. Participants included students from Dire Dawa Boarding School, members of the Dire Dawa University Gender Club, representatives from the Ethiopian Young Women Voice (EYWV), BoWCSA, and local women’s organizations. The event offered rich opportunities for experience-sharing, with members of EYWV delivering powerful personal stories that inspired collective action. A key highlight of the event was the formation of a new Girls and Young Women (GYW) group, “የበረሃዋ ንግስት” (The Queen of the Desert), dedicated to supporting and empowering young women across the community. This group stands as a testament to the event’s commitment to youth engagement and long-term impact. Media representatives were also present, helping to amplify the voices and stories shared, reaching a broader audience beyond the event. NEWA extends heartfelt gratitude to all participants, contributors, and partners who helped make this event a success. Together, we continue to champion gender equality, inspire future leaders, and strengthen the role of women in building a better society.

NEWA Hosted Advocacy Training on Unpaid Care and Domestic Work in Ethiopia From March 11 to 14, the Network of Ethiopian Women Associations (NEWA) hosted a training on evidence-based policy advocacy focused on Unpaid Care and Domestic Work (UCDW) in Adama and Addis Ababa. The training gathered women’s associations, women-led organizations, and women’s rights groups from the Amhara and Oromia regions. Participants learned how to use research and data to advocate for policy changes that promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. The sessions focused on equipping women’s organizations with practical tools to influence local and national policies. The training marked a key step in empowering women’s organizations to drive meaningful change in their communities.

Capacity Building Training: For Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State Government Bureau on PSEA Guideline and SGBV Report Mechanisms Following the successful training in Adama, a similar capacity-building workshop on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Reporting Mechanisms was held in Addis Ababa at Harmony Hotel on January 24 and 25 for officials from the Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State Government Bureau. The training, conducted by NEWA in collaboration with the Spanish Corporation, addressed similar critical topics. It concluded successfully, with participants offering valuable insights into regional initiatives, challenges, and strategies aimed at creating safer and more equitable communities. Engaging discussions and interactive activities contributed to making the event both impactful and productive.