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NEWA, in collaboration with the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) and the ACDD – Advocacy Center for Democracy & Development, through the financial support of the European Union, conducted a two-day capacity-building training​ On August 29-30, 2025, NEWA, in collaboration with the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) and the ACDD – Advocacy Center for Democracy & Development, through the financial support of the European Union, conducted a two-day capacity-building training on gender-sensitive transitional justice in Ethiopia for 30 senior officials, department heads, and experts from the የሴቶችና ማህበራዊ ጉዳይ ሚኒስቴር Ministry of Women and Social Affairs (MoWSA)The training emphasized Ethiopia’s transitional justice process, showcased NEWA and ICTJ’s gender-sensitive contributions, and outlined collaborative pathways with the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs.Through this training, NEWA and ICTJ reaffirmed their commitment to supporting strategic stakeholder engagement and responding to the identified key intervention entry point as outlined by the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs.

Enhancing Grassroots Women’s Involvement in the Transitional Justice Process in Ethiopia When NEWA allies with ICTJ, women’s voices are amplified in the transitional justice process in Ethiopia.In 2025, the Network of Ethiopian Women’s Associations (NEWA), in partnership with the International Centre for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) and the Advocacy Centre for Democracy and Development (ACDD), and with financial support from the European Union, organised a series of two-day community dialogues in four regions.   These sessions were delivered in collaboration with regional NEWA partners Siinqee Women Development Association (SWDA) in Oromia and Hiigsi Women Development Organisation (HWDO) in the Somali Region, and extended to Mekelle, Tigray, with Rise and Shine Women Empowerment Centre, and Dessie, Amhara, with Beza for Women Community Base Development Association. Through Community dialogue circles brought together 20 women participants in each four regions. The community dialogues introduced transitional justice concepts for participants and gathered powerful grassroots transitional justice perspectives. These community dialogues highlight the critical importance of amplifying women’s voices in transitional justice, ensuring Ethiopia’s path toward justice and reconciliation is inclusive, survivor-centered, and responsive to grassroots realities. The participant highlighted that transitional justice processes are needed for women’s inclusion in decision-making and psychosocial support, while also calling for improvements in communication and awareness creation.

NEWA led TOT training on the Gender Sensitive/ transformative Transitional Justice Implementation In 2025, from March 27-29, with the support of International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) in collaboration of the ACDD through the financial support of the European Union, NEWA conducted a TOT training for 20 women participants from the Gender Reference Group for Transitional Justice (GRG-TJ) established by NEWA and ICTJ, and WRO Advocacy Group for Transitional Justice (WAG-TJ), representing regions across different parts of Ethiopia, selected for their technical expertise and community representation.The training was grounded in the implementation of gender- sensitive/Transformative transitional justice in alignment with MHPSS. Additionally, the training was to foster coordination for continuous information exchange, input, evaluation, and learning among the Gender Reference Group and WRO Advocacy Group for TJ (WAG-TJ), regarding transitional justice in Ethiopia.Through this engagement, NEWA and ICTJ affirmed a commitment to promoting Inclusive Gender-Sensitive Approaches in the Legal and Institutional Framework of the Transitional Justice Process in Ethiopia.

NEWA in collaboration with the ICTJ and ACDD through the financial support of the European Union, established a female only Gender Reference Group for Transitional justice. On March 2025, NEWA in collaboration with the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) and the ACDD – Advocacy Center for Democracy & Development, through the financial support of the European Union, established a female only Gender Reference Group for Transitional justice.The member of the group was selected through recommendations and based on their previous contribution and experience on Gender Equality with the aims to strengthen gender-responsive implementation of Transitional Justice in Ethiopia by amplifying women’s voices through legislative advocacy, providing technical guidance and capacity building, and generating evidence to inform policy and legal development.The Gender Reference Group held seven consultative meetings from March – August 2025 and provide inputs to all components of draft transitional justice legislation from gender perspective.

NEWA launched a four-year initiative entitled “Improving Legal and Service Responses to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Conflict-Affected Areas of Ethiopia.” On 25 December 2025, the Network of Ethiopian Women’s Associations (NEWA) launched a four-year initiative entitled “Improving Legal and Service Responses to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Conflict-Affected Areas of Ethiopia.”The project will be implemented with the financial support of the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women and will operate at both national and regional levels, with a focus on the Amhara, Benishangul-Gumuz, and Tigray regions.The initiative will strengthen survivor-centered legal and service delivery systems, including One-Stop Centers, shelters, and safe spaces. It will empower survivors through integrated psychosocial support, skills development, and access to economic opportunities. In addition, the project will advance advocacy and coordination efforts to ensure that sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) remain sustained national priorities.NEWA will work in close collaboration with government institutions, civil society organizations, and development partners to strengthen accountability, enhance coordination, and achieve sustainable and lasting impact for women and girls in Ethiopia.

NEWA, in collaboration with UN Women Ethiopia and Ethiopian Political Parties Joint Council (EPPJC), organized a one-day awareness raising training titled “Developing Inclusive Party Policies and Programs.” As Ethiopia prepares for its 7th National Election, ensuring women’s full participation as voters, candidates, and observers remains critical. Yet, many women continue to face challenges, particularly Violence against Women in Politics and Election (VAWiE/P), which hinders their meaningful engagement.To address this, the Network of Ethiopian Women’s Associations (NEWA), in collaboration with UN Women Ethiopia and Ethiopian Political Parties Joint Council (EPPJC), organized a one-day awareness raising training titled “Developing Inclusive Party Policies and Programs.” The training brought together over 60 political party leaders, EPPJC and its women wing Executive members on December 24, 2025, at the De Leopol Hotel, Addis Ababa.The session aimed to enhance the understanding of political party leaders on the principles of inclusivity and diversity, equip participants with tools and methods for designing inclusive party policies and programs, foster dialogue and collaboration among political parties on inclusivity and representation and to support party leaders in integrating inclusive strategies into their platforms and structures.Through collaboration and action, we continue working toward eliminating barriers and advancing women’s full and equal participation in Ethiopia’s democratic processes.

NEWA has hosted a two-day Training Workshop on Media Strategies and Peacebuilder Personality for members of the Ethiopian Women Peacebuilders (EWPB) The Network of Ethiopian Women’s Associations (NEWA) has hosted a two-day Training Workshop on Media Strategies and Peacebuilder Personality for members of the Ethiopian Women Peacebuilders (EWPB)  at Mado Hotel, Addis Ababa on December 19–20, 2025.The training aimed to strengthen women peacebuilders’ capacity to use media for peace advocacy, enhance peacebuilding skills, and foster collaboration to promote peace and social cohesion. This initiative is part of NEWA’s continued efforts to advance localization and resilience of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda in Ethiopia in partnership with ACCORD,UKFCDO and AWPSI.Together, we amplify women’s voices for peace.

A Milestone Achievement: NEWA honored for Its exceptional support of the 16 Days of Activism 2025 plan in Ethiopia. At the closing event of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, organized by the የሴቶችና ማህበራዊ ጉዳይ ሚኒስቴር Ministry of Women and Social Affairs (MoWSA), the Network of Ethiopian Women’s Associations (NEWA) was honored with a certificate of appreciation for its exceptional support of the 16 Days of Activism 2025 plan in Ethiopia.The event took place on December 17, 2025, at Skylight Hotel, Addis Ababa.Through its commitment, NEWA provided critical resources, delivering essential material support to safe houses and one-stop centers, and successfully bolstering Income-Generating Support Programs for survivors- helping restore dignity, resilience, and hope.This recognition marks a proud milestone for NEWA and reaffirms its continued dedication to advancing the rights, dignity, and well being of women and girls across Ethiopia.

NEWA, in partnership with ACCORD and with financial support from the UK FCDO, successfully conducted a validation workshop for a comprehensive baseline assessment On December 16th 2025, The Network of Ethiopian Women’s Associations (NEWA), in partnership with ACCORD and with financial support from the UK FCDO, successfully conducted a validation workshop for a comprehensive baseline assessment under the project: “An Africa Consortium’s Response to Advancing Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) in Ethiopia (2024–2027): Building Localization and Resilience for the WPS Agenda.” at Mado Hotel, Addis Ababa.NEWA conducted a validation workshop of a comprehensive baseline assessment titled; ’The challenges and opportunities of the women peace and security Agenda (WPS) in Amhara, Afar, Benshangul-gummuz, Oromia and Tigray regional states with stakeholders and partners.Together, we are strengthening localization and resilience of Peace and Security Agenda in Ethiopia.

NEWA supported Ethiopian Young Women Voice (EYWV) in hosting the 16 Days of Activism event, “Safe Online, Safe Offline,” We were proud to support Ethiopian Young Women Voice (EYWV) in hosting the 16 Days of Activism event, “Safe Online, Safe Offline,” on December 11, 2025, at Bellevue Hotel.With strong participation from government bodies, NGOs, and youth groups, the event created a vibrant space for learning and dialogue. CIR (Center for Information Resilience) delivered an impactful presentation on tech-facilitated GBV, followed by an engaging panel discussion where young women openly shared their concerns, and solutions for safer digital spaces.At NEWA, we remain committed to empowering young women and advancing efforts to prevent GBV, both online and offline.Together, we continue pushing for safer, stronger communities.