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A Story of Empowering Girl: A Journey of Transformation

Tinsae Estifanos, 18, reflects on her journey, highlighting the profound impact of the human rights training on her education and life, provided by NEWA with support from the Malala Fund. I am a student, where I take pride in excelling in my studies. Both of my parents are high school teachers who have instilled in me the value of learning and the power of knowledge. Their dedication to education has inspired me to pursue excellence in my academic journey. In addition to my studies, I actively participate in various extracurricular activities. In the future, I aim to become a successful software designer and a women’s rights lawyer. This dual career path reflects my commitment not only to technology and design but also to social justice and advocacy. As the sun rises, I dream of a world where every girl receives an education, free from the chains of sexual violence. Girls face barriers to education, leadership, and decision-making. But through support systems and educational programs, girls are finding their voices and standing up for their rights. My journey began when I was given the opportunity to participate in a life-changing trainings and workshops organized by NEWA, supported by the MALALA Fund. This experience not only opened my eyes to the power of knowledge and collective action but also inspired me to take meaningful steps in my own community. As a high school student and the leader of my school’s girls’ club, I was both excited and nervous when I learned I had been selected for the training. I knew this was a chance to gain valuable insights that could help me improve the club and make a difference in the lives of my peers. The training brought together students from various backgrounds and knowledgeable trainers who taught us about national and international laws protecting girls and women’s rights. Before attending, my understanding of these laws was rudimentary, but the trainers elucidated them in ways that made them relevant to our daily lives. We also discussed the challenges girls face in education, leadership, and personal development. One of the most impactful moments came during an activity where we were asked to identify the major challenges we face as girls. This exercise forced us to reflect on our personal struggles and the systemic barriers that hold us back. As we shared our stories, I realized I wasn’t alone, many of us faced similar obstacles. This sense of unity was empowering. We left the session feeling supported, knowing that there were organizations and individuals committed to standing with us and helping us find solutions. The workshop wasn’t confined to one region. Similar sessions were held across Ethiopia, and later, representatives from each region gathered in Addis Ababa for a larger conference. There, we shared our experiences, discussed our findings, and worked together to draft a collective conclusion. It was incredible to see how widespread these issues were and how girls from diverse backgrounds could come together to advocate for change. By the end of the conference, I felt a renewed sense of confidence and responsibility. I realized that knowledge is a powerful tool, and with it, I could help empower other girls in my school and community. When I returned to school, I knew I had to act. The girls’ club at my school had existed for some time, but it was inactive and disorganized. Many students didn’t see its value, and participation was low. But I saw its potential. I began by sharing what I had learned at the training and consultation workshop with the club members. We discussed our rights, leadership, and the importance of collective action. Many of the girls were surprised to learn about the legal protections available to them. Some had faced challenges but didn’t know they had rights that could protect them. By educating them, I hoped to build their confidence and encourage them to stand up for themselves and others. Next, I focused on revitalizing the club. I proposed new activities, such as discussion sessions, mentorship programs, and awareness campaigns. These initiatives aimed to make the club more engaging and relevant to the students. I also encouraged more girls to take on leadership roles, fostering a sense of teamwork and shared responsibility. Inspired by the workshop, I encouraged everyone to share their concerns. We identified issues like lack of confidence, limited leadership opportunities, and gender-based challenges. Together, we brainstormed solutions and ways to address these problems. I also worked on building connections with teachers and school administrators to gain their support. I explained how an active girls’ club could benefit the entire school community. Thankfully, many teachers were supportive and offered to help facilitate events and discussions. Their encouragement was invaluable. Slowly but surely, I began to see a change. More students joined the club, and conversations about girls’ empowerment became more common. While there’s still much work to be done, I’m proud of the progress we’ve made. This experience taught me that change starts with small steps. By taking action, even in modest ways, we can create a ripple effect that inspires others and transforms our community. Looking to the future, I’m hopeful that the seeds of change planted during the workshop will grow into a movement that empowers girls everywhere. I envision a world where educational opportunities for girls are not limited by societal norms or economic barriers. I hope to collaborate with local organizations to create programs that provide support, mentorship, and resources for girls struggling to access education. By fostering a supportive environment, we can encourage more girls to stay in school and achieve their dreams. In conclusion, NEWA with the supported by MALALA Fund, the trainings and consultation workshop was a transformative experience that equipped me with knowledge, confidence, and a sense of purpose. I’m deeply grateful to the organizers, facilitators, and my fellow participants for their support and inspiration. I’m also thankful to my school, family, and friends for believing in me. Together, we can continue to advocate for our

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Sara’s Success Story

Sara Ali, a 16-year-old girl in the 10th grade at Gemeharu Secondary School. She was born in the Banishangul Gumuz region of Ethiopia in Assosa city. Her favorite subjects are civics and mathematics. She has always dreamed of becoming a Psychiatry. She enjoys praying and spending time with her family. Growing up in a family of farmers, her parents valued education but faced significant economic challenges that made it difficult to prioritize schooling for their children. Sara is the second of four siblings, and like many girls in her community, she encountered numerous obstacles on her path to education. From a young age, Sara showed a keen interest in learning. She would often accompany her older brother to school, listening intently as he shared stories about his lessons. However, when it was time for Sara to enroll in school, her parents hesitated. The family struggled to make ends meet, and they believed that investing in a girl’s education was less important than that of a boy. Moreover, the cultural norms in her village posed additional barriers. Many families believed that girls should marry young and focus on household responsibilities rather than pursue education. Sara faced pressure from her peers and even some family members who questioned her commitment to schooling. Despite these challenges, Sara remained focused on her studies. She would often study late into the night by candlelight, determined to keep up with her lessons. Her teachers recognized her potential and encouraged her to continue, but the societal pressures weighed heavily on her. When Sara was in the 10th grade, her family faced a significant crisis. Her father fell ill and could no longer work on the farm. The family’s financial situation deteriorated, and Sara’s parents considered withdrawing her from school to help support the family. On her own; “Although I wanted to learn, my family did not encourage me to study. They help my brother follow his studies, but they don’t encourage me. My father was ill and I had to leave school to support the family. Also, they were going to marry me a rich man, I didn’t know how to convince my family that I should continue my education, and I didn’t know about my rights.”  When was Sara feeling desperate, NEWA provided a two days human rights training in Benishangul Gumuz region, Assosa city. To create awareness on their rights, gender-based violence, gender equality, women human rights…etc. Sara was participated the training session and she shared her story with NEWA, that was moved by her challenges, determination and resilience. Moreover, NEWA trained and provided Sara with a psychosocial support that allowing her to continue her education without burdening her family. In the meantime, Sara received the human rights training and she understand the rights and she know about all girls and women rights. The training was the greater impact to her families. she can lead to a reduction in the burden on Sara’s family by fostering Sara’s emotional well-being, problem-solving skills and coping strategies. Through building stronger relationships with her family; improving her communication skills to express her needs more clearly and build better interpersonal dynamics; building self-confidence; building a positive connection with her family by forming friendship that helped to convince them to continue her education and it helps Sara gain a sense of empowerment and control over her own lives. Sara would likely have been introduced to coping strategies that empower her to handle life’s difficulties more effectively. After the training, Sara understands her rights and she know how to convince her parents to continue her education. Despite her parents’ initial reluctance, Sara’s determination shone through. She pleaded with them, emphasizing the importance of education for her future. After much discussion, they agreed to let her attend school. With the support of the NEWA, Sara not only continued her education but also became involved in advocacy for girls’ rights in her community. She participated in workshops that educated girls about their rights and the importance of education. Sara learned to speak confidently about the challenges girls face and the need for equal opportunities. Inspired by her own journey explained;  “Now I have full of understanding about women rights and I protect my rights and advocate for the rights of education and gender equality started from my families. Therefore, I began to mentor younger girls in my village, encouraging them to pursue their education despite societal pressures. I organized a group of girls who had trained to collecting financial resources to support girls who couldn’t afford, fostering a supportive environment for my peers. My efforts began to change perceptions in my family, as more my families recognized the value of educating. This opportunity was a significant milestone in my journey, as it allowed my access better understanding about my rights and a more advocates for other girls who struggling their education. And finally, I really thank NEWA and my educators to give me this opportunity because it’s meaningful in my life journey.” Sara’s story is a testament to the resilience and determination of girls in Ethiopia who face significant barriers to education. Through her struggles, she not only fought for her own right to learn but also became an advocate for change in her family and also community. Sara’s journey highlights the importance of community engagement in education especially girls. As she continues her studies, Sara remains committed to her dream of becoming a Psychiatry, determined to make a difference in the lives of other girls like herself.

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Marriage Linked to Lower Employability for Young Female Graduates, Study Finds

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Addis Ababa- May 2024 A new study by the Network of Ethiopian Women’s Associations (NEWA), supported by IDRC’s GrOW project, shows that marriage is linked to lower chances of employment for young female graduates. NEWA and its partners have been working on this research project since April 2021, conducting both initial and mid-term reviews. One major finding of the study is the increased rate of marriage among young female graduates and how it affects their chances of getting jobs. The study compared the marital status of participants at the beginning and mid-way through the research. Out of 1,144 participants, 936 were unmarried at the start. By the mid-term review, a year later, 83 had gotten married, while 853 remained unmarried. This change is significant, with more participants getting married and having children over time. The research also looked at how marriage affects women’s involvement in economic activities. It found that 26.3% of unmarried participants were engaged in economic activities, compared to only 13.4% of married participants. This suggests that married women face more challenges in participating in economic activities. Additionally, 73.0% of unmarried participants were looking for higher-paying jobs, compared to 57.7% of married participants. These findings show that married women struggle more to balance work with family responsibilities, limiting their economic opportunities. Also, only 8.9% of married participants had started small businesses, compared to 15.1% of unmarried participants. The study used detailed statistical analysis considering factors like living arrangements, wealth, marital status, and type of university or college attended. It found that marital status significantly impacts employment opportunities. Unmarried young female graduates had a 51.0% higher chance of participating in economic activities than their married counterparts. This suggests that marriage can hinder career development, especially for women early in their careers. Additionally, the study found that some women marry for economic reasons, as men are expected to provide for their families, while women handle unpaid care and domestic work. This social pressure can push women to marry for economic security and social status. These findings suggest the need for policies to address gender norms and help more women enter the labor market. The lower economic engagement of married women indicates a need for targeted support, such as childcare, flexible work opportunities, and training programs that fit their schedules. By addressing these needs, policies can help ensure that both married and unmarried women have equal opportunities to participate in and benefit from economic activities.

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How Soft Skills Training Helps Young Ethiopian Women Find employment

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For the past three years (2021-2024) Network of the Ethiopian Women’s Associations (NEWA) has been implementing a research project titled “Enhancing employment prospects of young graduate women into high value sectors in Ethiopia: An action research project.” The project was implemented in collaboration with two partner organizations, the Ethiopian Catholic Church Social and Development Commission (ECC-SADCO) and Abamela Consulting. The initiative was supported by IDRC’s Growth and Economic Opportunities for Women (GrOW) – East Africa program.  The purpose of the research is to determine whether giving graduate girls access to employment information centers and training in soft skills improves their employability. Most scholars agree that understanding the relative importance of technical, business, and life skills in labor market success is at the forefront of the youth employment research agenda. More urgently, reviews indicate that investigating the impact soft skills component by experimentation within an impact evaluation is highly encouraged, as there exists inconclusive evidence about its impact. In the case of Ethiopia, researchers observe high disregard for soft skills in higher education despite tight competition in the world of work where employers look for gradates with multiple skills in communication, problem solving and critical thinking. Also, observation shows that access to employment information centers for youth are rare despite efforts by the government. A total of 1936 female graduates from three research sites (Addis Ababa, Hawassa, Jimma) were enrolled in the study. Among them, 588 were randomly divided into three groups: soft skills training, soft skills training and Job Centre services, and a control group that receives no service. The two intervention groups participated in short-term soft skills training focusing on emotional regulation, communication skills, self-esteem, and job readiness. The impact of this training on the lives of the graduate women was observed through the inspiring stories shared by study participants and the results an experiment that used Randomized control Trial (RCT) design. Take for example the case of Rahel a 26-year-old accounting and finance graduate from Hawassa, who initially struggled to find employment after graduation. However, after participating in soft skills training and accessing job information services in her hometown, she was inspired to start her own business. Teaming up with a friend who also underwent the training, they opened a teahouse. With support from family, and friends, Rahel successfully established a profitable business, now earning a good income. Subtle yet profound changes have unfolded following a period of soft skills training. These changes suggest a newfound sense of confidence, resilience in the face of challenges, and a shift towards viewing failure as a catalyst for growth. Despite its brevity, this program provided a nurturing environment where participants could explore their potential and develop the confidence to pursue their aspirations. In addition, data from the research participants during the mid term survey showed the importance of soft skills training in enhancing young females’ career prospects, as it was found to positively affect the number of job applications submitted by the trained group. Results from the mid-term review indicate, the trained group had a higher mean score of 28.4 in emotional regulation skills, compared to the control group’s score of 27.6, demonstrating a significant difference and improvement in this area. In communication skills, the trained group scored 48.6, surpassing the control group’s score of 47.9, again with a significant difference. The self-esteem category showed a score of 46.1 for the trained group and 45.2 for the control group, indicating a significant improvement in self-esteem due to the training. In terms of job readiness, the trained group’s score of 28.7 slightly exceeded the control group’s score of 28.2, demonstrating a minor but significant improvement. The link between the soft skills training and the observed changes appear to be achieved through different pathways. Many attribute their improved communication skills and self-assurance during job interviews or business endeavors directly to the training received. Moreover, the gradual transformation witnessed in these young women serves as a testament to the efficacy of targeted interventions in nurturing individual growth and empowerment. The program’s transforming effect on young Ethiopian graduate women highlights the scalability potential and has policy implications for integrating soft-skills trainings into higher education.

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Facts and figures: Women’s leadership and political participation

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Women’s equal participation and leadership in political and public life are essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.  However, data shows that women are underrepresented at all levels of decision-making worldwide and achieving gender parity in political life is far off. Women in executive government positions As of 1 September 2021, there are 26 women serving as Heads of State and/or Government in 24 countries. At the current rate, gender equality in the highest positions of power will not be reached for another 130 years. Just 10 countries have a woman Head of State, and 13 countries have a woman Head of Government. Only 21 per cent of government ministers were women, with only 14 countries having achieved 50 per cent or more women in cabinets. With an annual increase of just 0.52 percentage points, gender parity in ministerial positions will not be achieved before 2077. The five most commonly held portfolios by women ministers are: Family/children/youth/elderly/disabled; followed by social affairs; Environment/natural resources/energy; Employment/labour/vocational training, and Women affairs/gender equality. Women in national parliaments Only 25 per cent of all national parliamentarians are women, up from 11 per cent in 1995. Only four countries have 50 per cent or more women in parliament in single or lower houses: Rwanda with 61 per cent, Cuba with 53 per cent, Bolivia with 53 per cent, and the United Arab Emirates with 50 percent. A further 19 countries have reached or surpassed 40 per cent, including nine countries in Europe, five in Latin America and the Caribbean, four in Africa, and one in the Pacific. More than two-thirds of these countries have applied gender quotas—either legislated candidate quotas or reserved seats—opening space for women’s political participation in national parliaments. (Source UN Women 2021)

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Why violence against women and girls increases during conflicts?

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While gender norms are the root cause of sexual and gender-based violence, this violence often increases further as conflict, economic crisis, natural disasters, pandemics, and other challenges because Sexual and gender-based violence can be used as a political instrument in conflicts, further compounding the effects of fragility and presenting risks for human and societal dimensions of fragility. Torture, rape, forced prostitution or forced marriage have been strategies used in countries such as Somalia, Afghanistan or Uganda to humiliate the enemy, weaken families and break down the social fabric of societies. Abductions of girls and women by Boko Haram in Nigeria, notably the 2014 Chibok kidnapping of schoolgirls, became a new model for advancing the group’s cause and getting international attention. Following Ethiopia’s northern war in 2020, rape and sexual violence have been reported In Kenya, calls for help against domestic violence increased by 34% in the first three weeks of the curfew imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 During the post cyclone Idai period in Mozambique in 2019, cases of sexual exploitation and abuse by people in positions of power when assigning relief items have been reported Source: -The organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD state of fragility report 2022)

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Ethiopia’s Women Peace Builders

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Dr. Diana Wendemu, a clinical psychiatrist, was working in Kombolcha town, one of conflict affected areas in Amhara region. She met several women with mental health problems associated with the ongoing conflict in the region at the time. Learning the experiences of those women, she wanted to support them in any way she can. Similarly, Ms. Eskedar Girma who lives in Harari, which was known for its peace and hospitality before it faced recurring conflicts over the past couple of years, wanted to contribute her share in restoring peace in Harari as it used to be. It was with this interest both Dr Diana and Ms. Eskedar responds to Network of Ethiopian Women Associations’ (NEWA) call for application for a training on peace building and conflict resolution and joined Ethiopian Women Peace Builders (EWPB)network. They both believed being a member of EWPB will give them the strength and courage to do their level best. Not only Dr Diana and Ms. Eskedar, but women like reverend Mulunesh Jembo of SNNPR joined EWPB with the urge to contribute to their society. Of course, women from Tigray couldn’t join the group because of the ongoing war. Following the advertisement of the call for application on Ethio Jobs, a total of 627 (624 Female and three male) applications were received. The reason behind using Ethio jobs was its wider reach and the rationale for targeting women was because they often miss out from peace negotiation and conflict resolution processes and platforms despite them being the majority who are vulnerable and hardest hit by consequences of conflict and war. The selection criteria were developed with the help of international peace and security department in Addis Ababa University and nominees were selected based on jointly agreed criteria such as age, education level, their environment and motivation stated in the expression of interest. And soon after screening the applications, a three-day training on peace building and conflict resolution for selected 115 applicants was delivered by NEWA in January 2022. The training was conducted in Amharic not to miss important ideas due to language barrier and was blended where both physical and virtual sessions were facilitated by experts in the field. In addition, NEWA invited experts from other countries to share their experience in peace building and conflict resolution processes. Dr Raba from Sudan was one of them who reminded participants that they must take it as a personal call and be committed and inspired. To establish the Ethiopian Women Peacebuilders Network, NEWA and its partners have conducted several activities to build the capacity of these Ethiopian Women Peace builders. Through this journey, NEWA has collaborated with International Women Peace Group (IWPG), Fem WISE, OTI and others. Finally, EWPB network launching workshop entitled “Ethiopian Women for Peace” was conducted from June (21-23) 2022, in Addis Ababa at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UN-ECA). The three-day workshop was facilitated by experts in peace and security and supported by trainers who were trained during a TOT organized by NEWA. The main objective of the workshop was to sensitize members of the Ethiopian Women Peacebuilders network on important issues related to peace building and conflict resolution which was concluded with an official launch of the network. Strengthening the joint effort of members and creating a guideline on how to develop and manage peace projects at the community level and on how to mobilize women for peacebuilding efforts, strengthen networking and partnership with key stakeholders actively engaged in peace building and conflict resolution in different parts of the country, strengthen the capacity of women’s organizations and associations to amplify voices of women and create enabling environment to sustain traditional conflict resolution good practices and build resilient society, facilitate conditions for public education on women’s role in peace building and conflict resolution at community level, nominating  dedicated and committed women to lead the governance structure of Ethiopian women peacebuilders at a community level and revisiting and refining the Action Plans developed by different members of Ethiopian women peacebuilders to guide the work of the members in their respective communities were specific objectives of the workshop. Experts in peace building and conflict resolution made presentation on peace building, conflict resolution, causes of conflict and traditional and modern ways of conflict resolution. Presentation by the experts was substantiated with practical experiences from participants with lived experiences of conflict and war. The workshop brought together 115 women from all Regional States of Ethiopia who have dedicated their lives to the cause of peace in Ethiopia. Inter-generational panel discussion that was held between senior gender advocates and aspiring young women was one of the series of activities of the workshop. Ms. Zewdie Abegaz, former UNICEF senior gender specialist, Ms. Eskedar Girma lecturer at Haremeya University and Dr. Diana Wondimu Clinical psychiatrist, were among the speakers who shared their contribution to gender equality and women’s empowerment and the resistance they faced in their workplace, communities and nationally, which still are persisting issues. Ms. Zewide shared her experience in the early days where there was no women policy and gender related proclamations where gender advocates were forced to find their way in the dark. However, due to the commitment and dedication they have for the cause, they were able to push for a National Ethiopian Women Policy that is being used so far. All the speakers emphasized on the importance of peace and security to be able to sustain the gains that have been made over the years. They shared their wish for a peaceful country where women and girl of Ethiopia live without fear and worry about their safety and security which makes women vulnerable to violence, discrimination, psychological trauma, and loss of lives. Third day of the workshop started with a welcoming remark by Ms. Saba G/Medhin, Executive directress of Network of Ethiopian Women’s Association (NEWA). “The Ethiopian Women Peace Builders (EWPB) network has a huge mandate and a big mission. Its ultimate goal is to enhance women’s role in peace keeping, negotiation, and

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Safe Space for Young Women’s Safety

Pic. Young women getting service at the physical safe space

The Gates Foundation project was one of NEWA’s project that has been concluded recently. One of the achievements of project was virtual safe space use among young women and adolescent girls which developed by Young Women’s Christian Association /YWCA/ which was sub granted by this project. As safe space is a new approach for the target communities’ whiles its virtual version is the first. Therefore, this was   important to promote virtual safe space among young women. The proposed action   carried out by using various social media platforms and the YWCA website.  The app was launched and became functional starting from September 1, 2020. Three manuals on SRH (Family planning, HIV/AIDS, and STDs) have developed and contextualized.  

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NEWA delivers trainings on protection of women and girls from all forms of violence

NEWA delivers trainings on protection of women and girls from all forms of violence

NEWA has delivered series of trainings to representatives of women-led organizations and CSOs working on women’s rights in Amhara region’s Desse and Afar’s Semera towns from July 26 to August 12,2022. The workshop’s focus was on prevention, protection of women & girls from all forms of violence through the promotion of non-violent, non–discriminatory and gender equitable norms during humanitarian response. identifying GBV risks, GBV mitigation strategies, referral pathways and community-level protection mechanisms were the main topics of the training among others.  Developing locally relevant tools to monitor SGBV prevention and mitigation strategies and engaging in participatory safety audits at the community level were highlighted as important approaches in the implementation of prevention of GBV activities. A total of 44 participants from the two towns attended the training sessions. During the training sessions, GBV cases were presented by participants.   One of the stories was from Desse town about 12 years old six grader who has been sexually abused by her stepfather and got a urinary tract problem. When her pain got severe, the girl told her mother that she has been sexually abused by her father. Her mother’s reaction was unexpected for the child who believed her mom would do anything to end her suffering. However, the mother warned the child not to say anything to anyone about the matter. This was heart breaking for the child and she finally left the house. The teachers who were wondering why their student was absent for almost a month, decided to go to her parent’s house and speak with them. The mother told the teachers that her child developed bad behaviour and became out of control and that is why she left the house. As they didn’t find the mother’s explanation convincing, the teachers decided to look for the child and they found her somewhere in the adjust kebele, lower tier local administration. Finally, they knew the truth and got the child back to school with necessary arrangements to ensure her well-being and safety. The other story is about a child who was about to be given to a husband through forced marriage in the town of Semera, Afar region. They were on preparation for the wedding as both her parents agreed with the arrangement. The child decided to do something and save herself. She went to the town’s women’s and social affairs office and explained the whole issue to the experts. Not to let the child take risk until the office addresses the issue in a proper manner, one of the experts took the child with her to her house to spend the night there. The expert was shocked to see armed men from the child’s father and mother’s clan at her office the next morning with the intention to intimidate and stop her from what she was doing. This shows that the process of intervention against child marriage is complicated as parents and close family members are part of the problem. The trainings were delivered as part of the global multi-year programme being implemented by UN Women in collaboration with the Network of Ethiopian Women Association (NEWA) with the support of the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). A two days refresher training for leaders of WROs and CSOs on global and national humanitarian architectures, inter-cluster system, PSEA, and Grand Bargain was one of the trainings that was delivered under this same program in September 2021. A total number of 34 /27F ,7M/ participants attended the training. Out of the total, 23 were director and program managers of 23 local women rights organizations/WRO/ and civil society organizations/CSO/.

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Volunteers Training

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NEWA in partnership with Plan International Ethiopia is implementing the project titled ‘Women’s Voice and Leadership’. This project aims to support the capacity and activities of local and regional women’s organizations. The project intends to deliver an initiative that will promote a vibrant and sustainable women’s rights movement, consolidating the voice of women and girls to lead their own development, demonstrate their agency and influence policy.  To this end, NEWA carried out a training for newly starting young volunteers working within member organizations in order to capacitate skills and knowledge. The training focused on professionalism, workplace ethics, leadership, and other aspects of voluntarism.  Two representatives from VSO and YWCA came on board the training for an experience-sharing session to discuss the importance of voluntarism for the volunteers. It was with the aim of enhancing voluntarism and capacitating women organizations with equipped volunteers as well as motivating GYW into leadership and introduction to the workspace within the sector specifically that this event was held on March 15th, 2022, at Magnolia Hotel.

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