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Strengthening Staff Well-being Through Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) With the support of the Malala Fund, NEWA successfully conducted a Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) training for its staff on August 1, 2026, at Nora Resort, Bishoftu.The training aimed to strengthen staff understanding of mental health and psychosocial support, enhance self-awareness, and equip participants with practical strategies to promote their well-being in both their professional and personal lives. Through interactive discussions, practical exercises, and reflective sessions, participants explored stress management techniques, self-care practices, psychological resilience, and approaches to fostering a healthy and supportive workplace.The training provided a refreshing and enriching experience, allowing staff to reconnect, reflect on their well-being, and recognize the importance of prioritizing mental health while delivering quality services to communities. It also reinforced NEWA’s commitment to creating a supportive work environment where staff well-being is valued as an essential component of organizational effectiveness. photo_2026-08-07_05-01-07 photo_2026-08-07_05-01-27 photo_2026-08-07_05-01-56 photo_2026-08-07_05-02-11 photo_2026-08-07_05-02-25 photo_2026-08-07_05-02-55 photo_2026-08-07_05-03-45 (2) photo_2026-08-07_05-03-54 photo_2026-08-07_05-03-57

Cultural Caravan Rallies Jigjiga Against Harmful Practices https://newaethiopia.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/video_2026-08-07_11-46-06.mp4 Jigjiga, Somali Region – July 25, 2026 — The Network of Ethiopian Women’s Associations (NEWA), in partnership with UNICEF, successfully launched a high-impact Community Caravan and Cultural Performance outreach in Jigjiga. The initiative brought together local residents, youth, and leaders to drive action against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), child marriage, and violence against children across the region.By combining live cultural entertainment with targeted advocacy, the event created an engaging public forum designed to address deeply rooted social norms through open dialogue.Fusing Tradition with AdvocacyThe caravan’s success hinged on a dynamic mix of live music and traditional Somali dances. These performances celebrated the region’s rich artistic heritage while creating a welcoming environment for honest conversations on challenging topics. The live cultural displays drew large crowds, maintaining high energy throughout the day and ensuring core human rights messages resonated in a culturally grounded, accessible way.To reinforce the event’s core message, NEWA deployed a comprehensive visual strategy:• Custom T-shirts carrying clear advocacy messages were worn by staff, religious leaders, women, youth, and community members.• Strategic placement of placards and banners around Jigjiga ensured key messages were unmissable.• Informational brochures detailing the health, social, and legal consequences of FGM and early marriage were distributed directly to attendees.This multi-layered approach engaged both active event participants and passersby, turning public spaces in Jigjiga into active hubs for community advocacy. The event also achieved wide reach through live broadcasts on Somali Regional TV and digital streaming across YouTube, Facebook, and NEWA’s social media platforms.The Global and Local ImperativeGlobally, more than 230 million girls and women have undergone FGM, with over 2 million young girls subjected to the practice each year before their fifth birthday. Concurrently, 650 million women worldwide were married as children, including over 50 million in Eastern and Southern Africa. To eliminate these practices by 2030 in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 5.3, the global pace of progress must accelerate dramatically.While Ethiopia has made notable progress over the past two decades, national data often masks significant regional variations. Girls across different zones face distinct risks based on local social dynamics, economic pressures, and humanitarian conditions.Because harmful practices are sustained by social expectations and gender inequality, ending them requires shifting community norms at every level.A Movement Driven by Women-Led ActionSustainable change relies on building grassroots coalitions that empower communities to reject harmful practices. The Network of Ethiopian Women’s Association recognized for its extensive network of 55 member organizations across federal and regional levels, NEWA was selected to lead this movement in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs (MoWSA), regional BoWSAs, and UNICEF support.Drawing on over two decades of advocacy—including leading the landmark national Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Campaign established in 2006—NEWA utilizes a socio-ecological approach to mobilize community influencers, religious leaders, youth, and local organizations.Through ongoing regional caravans, technical guidance, and direct community engagement, NEWA and its partners continue to build momentum toward a safer, more equitable future for every girl and woman in Ethiopia.Relevant Hashtags#EndFGM #EndChildMarriage #ProtectTheGirlChild #SomaliRegion #NEWAEthiopia #UNICEF #HerVoiceHerFuture #16DaysOfActivism #GenderEquality #Ethiopia photo_2026-07-25_01-50-54 photo_2026-07-27_13-29-46 photo_2026-08-05_18-44-54 photo_2026-08-05_18-44-55 (2) photo_2026-08-05_18-44-55 photo_2026-08-05_18-44-56 (2) photo_2026-08-05_18-44-56 photo_2026-08-05_18-44-57 (2) photo_2026-08-05_18-44-57 photo_2026-08-05_18-44-58 (2) Load More End of Content.

Strengthening Partnerships to Advance Girls’ Education On July 25, 2026, with the support of the Malala Fund, NEWA successfully established the Regional Coalition to advocating girls education and Safe Schools in Tigray region, Mekelle City.The coalition was established to create a sustainable multi-stakeholder platform that advances girls’ education and promotes safe, and protecting schools for all children, particularly girls. It aims to strengthen collaboration, coordination, and collective advocacy for the endorsement and implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration (SSD) across the region.The coalition brings together representatives from regional government bureaus, civil society organizations (CSOs), and other key stakeholders, who share a common commitment to protecting education and ensuring that every child—especially girls—can learn in a safe and supportive environment.During the establishment meeting, participants discussed the coalition’s objectives, roles, and collaborative approaches to promoting the Safe Schools.The establishment of the Regional Safe Schools Coalition marks a significant milestone in NEWA’s ongoing efforts, to strengthen local ownership and foster strategic partnerships on advancing Girls Education. 0Q6A0476 0Q6A0488 0Q6A0490 0Q6A0494 0Q6A0557 0Q6A0560 0Q6A0579 0Q6A0589 0Q6A0593 0Q6A0602 Load More End of Content.

Promoting the Safe Schools Declaration (SSD) in Tigray Region Partnership with the Malala Fund, NEWA remains committed to advancing girls’ education and advocating the endorsement and implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration (SSD), contributing every girl in conflict-affected regions of Ethiopia has access to safe, inclusive, and quality education.On July 24, 2026, NEWA successfully conducted a Safe Schools Declaration (SSD) Training in Mekelle City, Tigray Region, at Amdina Hotel.The training aimed to strengthen the capacity of government institutions and key stakeholders to promote Safe Schools Declaration (SSD), contributing to safer, more inclusive, and protective learning environments for all children—particularly girls in conflict-affected areas.The session brought together representatives from regional government bureaus, civil society organizations (CSOs), and community-based organizations (CBOs), providing a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and collective action to protect education.The training also strengthened partnerships among key stakeholders, reinforcing a shared vision of ensuring that schools remain places of safety, learning, and hope. 0Q6A0281 0Q6A0305 0Q6A0308 0Q6A0411 0Q6A0414 0Q6A0419 0Q6A0423 0Q6A0435 0Q6A0448 0Q6A0462

Empowering Girls to Champion Safe Schools and Human Rights in Tigray NEWA successfully conducted a Safe Schools and Human Rights Training for adolescent girls from Mekelle and Adigrat in Mekelle City in July 23, 2026 at Amdina Hotel.The training aimed to strengthen girls’ knowledge and understanding of the Safe and Protective Schools, international human rights standards, and the fundamental rights of girls to education, protection, participation, and dignity. Through interactive discussions and learning sessions, girls enhanced their capacity to recognize their rights, advocate for safe and inclusive learning environments, and become active voices for positive change within their schools and communities.The training brought together girls from diverse backgrounds, including girls with disabilities and internally displaced persons (IDPs), fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment. It provided a safe space for participants to share their experiences, learn from one another, strengthen their understanding of their rights, and build solidarity across different communities. Their active engagement and commitment demonstrated the vital role girls play in promoting safe, inclusive, and rights-based education.NEWA remains committed to advancing girls’ education and ensuring that every girl can learn in a safe, protective, and empowering environment. Together, we can build safer schools where every girl can learn, thrive, and lead. 0Q6A0268 0Q6A0031 0Q6A0050 0Q6A0071 0Q6A0090 0Q6A0094 0Q6A0102 0Q6A0201 0Q6A0207 0Q6A0219 Load More End of Content.

NEWA Hands Over Women and Girls Safe Space in Hagereselam to Strengthen GBV Response On Friday, 24 July 2025, the Network of Ethiopian Women’s Associations (NEWA) officially handed over a newly established and partially furnished Women and Girls Safe Space (WGSS) in Hagereselam, Tigray Region. The safe space marks an important milestone in strengthening protection and support services for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), and women and girls in the community. The safe space provides a secure, accessible, and confidential environment where women and girls can receive psychosocial support, case management, information, referrals, and empowerment services. In addition to constructing the facility, NEWA provided essential furniture and equipment to support quality, survivor-centered service delivery. The handover ceremony was led by Mrs. Saba G/Medhin, Executive Directress of NEWA, who officially transferred the safe space and its equipment to the Hagereselam Women Affairs Office. The facility was formally received by Mrs. Grimawit Fitsum, head of the Hagereselam Women Affairs Office, who reaffirmed her office’s commitment to managing the center effectively and ensuring quality services for women and girls. In her remarks, Mrs. Saba reaffirmed NEWA’s unwavering commitment to the prevention of and response to GBV and CRSV. She highlighted NEWA’s contribution, alongside Ethiopian peace builders and the Ethiopian Peace Table, to advancing sustainable peace and protecting women and girls during conflict. While celebrating the establishment of the safe space, she emphasized that much more remains to be done to address the needs of survivors and vulnerable women and girls. Mrs. Grimawit Fitsum expressed her appreciation for NEWA’s support and highlighted the social and economic challenges facing women and girls in Hagereselam. She called for greater investment in livelihood and economic empowerment programs to help women rebuild their lives with dignity and resilience. Dr. Kiros Yirga, Medical Director of Hagereselam Primary Hospital, highlighted the importance of integrated services for survivors and emphasized the need for additional medical equipment, medicines, and other essential supplies to strengthen healthcare services for the community. NEWA extends its sincere appreciation to Hagereselam Primary Hospital for providing land within its compound for the construction of the safe space and for serving as a key referral partner for survivors. We also express our heartfelt gratitude to the United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence against Women (UNTF) for its generous financial support and to the Rise and Shine Women Empowerment Center for its valuable partnership and technical support in successfully establishing the safe space. The successful handover reflects the strong collaboration between government institutions, healthcare providers, civil society organizations, and development partners in advancing survivor-centered services. NEWA remains committed to expanding protection, recovery, and empowerment opportunities so that every woman and girl can live in safety, dignity, and hope. Together, let us continue investing in protection, justice, healing, and economic empowerment for women and girls. Every contribution brings us one step closer to ending violence against women and girls. 0 002 001 003 005 004 WhatsApp Image 2026-07-27 at 3.23.27 PM 0Q6A0323 006 0Q6A0331 Load More End of Content.

የኢትዮጵያ ሴቶች ማህበራት ቅንጅት (ኢ.ሴ.ማ.ቅ) በሴት ልጅ ግርዛት እና ያለዕድሜ ጋብቻ ለማስቆም የማህበረሰብ ንቅናቄና ዘመቻ አካሄደች በ2018 ዓ.ም. ሐምሌ 15 ቀን፣ በሰሜን ጎንደር ዞን ደባርቅ ከተማ በተካሄደው የማህበረሰብ የግንዛቤ ማስጨበጫ ዘመቻ ፣ የኢትዮጵያ ሴቶች ማህበራት ቅንጅት (ኢ.ሴ.ማ.ቅ) ከ አማራ ሴቶች ማህበር ጋር በመተባበር እና በዩኒሴፍ (UNICEF) በተገኘ የገንዘብ ድጋፍ፣ የሴት ልጅ ግርዛትን እና ያለዕድሜ ጋብቻን መከላከል ላይ ያተኮረ የማህበረሰብ ንቅናቄና ዘመቻ አካሄዳች።ዘመቻው የሀገሪቱን ህጎችና ፖሊሲዎች ከማህበረሰቡ አመለካከትና ባህላዊ ልማዶች ጋር በማገናኘት ጎጂ ባህላዊ ድርጊቶችን ከሥሩ ለመቀየር ያለመ ነበር። ብዙ ሰዎች በሚገኙበት የገበያ ስፍራና የመተላለፊያ አካባቢዎች የተካሄደ ሲሆን ከ3,000 በላይ በስፍራው የተገኙ ገበሬዎች፣ ነጋዴዎች ፤ ህጻናት ፤ እናቶች እና የደባርቅ ከተማና የአካባቢው ነዋሪዎችን በቀጥታ ለማድረስ ተችሏል።በዘመቻው ውስጥ የደባርቅ ወረዳ ሴቶችና ማህበራዊ ጉዳይ ጽሕፈት ቤት እና ባህልና ቱሪዝም ጽሕፈት ቤት በሚደግፉት ዋልያ የባህል ቡድን አባላት በድራማ፣ በግጥም እና በዘፈን የሴት ልጅ ግርዛትን ፣ ያለዕድሜ ጋብቻን እና ሌሎች ጎጂ ባህላዊ ድርጊቶችን በጤና፣ በትምህርት፣ በማህበራዊና በኢኮኖሚያዊ ህይወት ላይ የሚያስከትሉትን ጉዳት በሚዳስስ መልኩ አስተማሪ አዝናኝ በሆነ መንገድ አቅርበዋል።በመዝጊያው የማህበረሰብ ንቅናቄና ዘመቻ ላይ ከህፃናት ጋብቻ የተረፉ ህፃናት የህይወት ተሞክሮዎቻቸውን በማካፈል ተሳትፈዋል። በተጨማሪም የሃይማኖት መሪዎችና የሃገር ሽማግሌዎች የሴት ልጅ ግርዛትና ያለዕድሜ ጋብቻ ከሃይማኖትም ሆነ ከባህል ጋር የማይያያዙ ጎጂ ድርጊቶች መሆናቸውን በይፋ በማረጋገጥ አቋማቸውን ገልጸዋል።የተቀናጀ የተቋማት ትብብርና ጥበቃ ዘመቻው የህዝብ ተሳትፎን ከማሳደግ ባለፈ፣ ከኢ.ሴ.ማ.ቅ ፣ ከአማራ ሴቶች ማህበር ፤ ከወረዳ ሴቶች፣ ህጻናትና ማህበራዊ ጉዳይ ጽሕፈት ቤት፣ በክልል፣ በዞንና በወረዳ ደረጃ ያሉ አመራሮች እንዲሁም ከአካባቢ የዋች ዶግ (ጎጂ ባህላዊ ድርጊቶችን ተከላካይ ኮሚቴዎች) የተውጣጣ የተቀናጀ የክትትልና የቁጥጥር ቡድን አሳትፏል። የገበያ ቦታው ላይ የተሳታፊዎችን ደህንነት፣ የዘመቻውን ሰላማዊ አፈጻጸም ለማረጋገጥ በወረዳው የተመደቡ አራት የፀጥታ አባላት በሙሉ ጊዜ ጥበቃ አድርገዋል። ይህ የተቀናጀ ተሳትፎ በማህበረሰቡ ውስጥ የሪፖርት ስርዓቶችን በማጠናከር፣ በጤና ኤክስቴንሽን ሰራተኞች፣ በማህበረሰብ ፖሊስና በሌሎች ተቋማት መካከል ያለውን ቅንጅት በይበልጥ አጠናክሮል። እንዲሁም ለፆታዊ ጥቃት ተጎጂዎች የሚገኙ የሪፈራል አገልግሎቶችን በተመለከተ ግልጽ መረጃ ለህዝቡ ተሰጥቷል።በተጨማሪም በአካባቢው ቋንቋና አውድ የተዘጋጁ በራሪ ወረቀቶች ለህዝቡ ተሰራጭተዋል። እንዲሁም በዘመቻው የአካባቢ የዋች-ዶግ መዋቅሮች የበለጠ ተጠናክረው የሴቶችና የህጻናት መብትና የአካል ደህንነትን ለመጠበቅ የተቋማት እና የማህበረሰቡ የጋራ ቁርጠኝነት የታየበት ነበር።በነበረው የማህበረሰብ ንቅናቄ ዘመቻም በቀጥታ መረጃውን ከተካፈሉት ማህበረሰብ አባላት በተጨማሪ በተበተኑት በራሪ ወረቀቶች ፤ በተለያዩ ማህበራዊ ሚድያዎች ፤ ቲሸርቶች ፤ በተያዙ መፈክሮች አማካኝነት ከ 15,000 በላይ የማህበረሰብ ክፍሎች ጋር ተደራሽ ይሆናል፡፡ 751055821_2123431321928662_5442136175870247809_n 751055824_2123448768593584_6542445057567765018_n 751241499_2123428371928957_758332761417328011_n 751446932_2123430835262044_8052440051326584197_n 751471582_2123423311929463_3220750847336932614_n 751563099_2123422625262865_993027466395301520_n 751563100_2123446161927178_1962717069885023055_n 752334338_2123423038596157_649267776435065624_n 752489214_2123431065262021_6890694986345746908_n 753192792_2123448268593634_4383884209365947411_n Load More End of Content.

Strengthening Media to Transform the Care Economy The Network of Ethiopian Women’s Associations (NEWA), in collaboration with the Ethiopian Media Authority, developed the Media Guideline on the Care Economy to strengthen ethical, inclusive, and gender-responsive media coverage of Unpaid Care and Domestic Work (UCDW) in Ethiopia.Building on this milestone, the WE-Care Project, with the support of Oxfam, successfully conducted a Media Professionals Training on 3 July 2026 at Mado Hotel, Addis Ababa, equipping editors, journalists, media leaders, and digital content creators with the knowledge and practical tools to apply the guideline in their daily reporting and storytelling.The training focused on translating the principles of recognizing, reducing, and redistributing unpaid care and domestic work into impactful media content that challenges harmful gender norms, promotes shared responsibility, and advances gender equality.By empowering media professionals to use the guideline as a practical editorial resource, NEWA is fostering a media landscape that amplifies the value of care work, shapes public discourse, and supports lasting social change.Changing the narrative starts with informed reporting. Recognize Care. Share Care. Transform Lives.

Strengthening Partnerships to Advance Safe and Protective Education in Amhara Region With the support of the Malala Fund, the project “Enhancing Girls’ Education through Promoting the Safe Schools Declaration in Conflict-Affected Regions” successfully established the Amhara Regional Coalition for the Safe Schools Declaration on June 26, 2026, at Unison Hotel in Bahir Dar.The coalition brings together a diverse group of stakeholders committed to protecting education and advancing girls’ education in the region. Members include representatives from the Amhara Regional Education Bureau, Regional Women and Social Affairs Bureau, the Bahir Dar and Dessie City Education and Women Affairs Bureaus and other relevant regional government bureaus. The coalition also includes girl representatives, INGOs, and Education Champion Networks (ECNs) and the NEWA members working in the project’s intervention areas.Its members include representatives from the Amhara Regional Education Bureau, the Regional Women and Social Affairs Bureau, the Bahir Dar and Dessie City Education and Women Affairs Bureaus, and other relevant regional government bureaus. The coalition also includes girl representatives, international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), members of the Education Champion Networks (ECNs), and the Network of Ethiopian Women Associations (NEWA) working in the project’s intervention areas.The establishment of the coalition marks an important step toward creating a sustainable, multi-stakeholder partnerships that promotes and advocates the safe and quality education for all children, especially girls affected by conflict.Coalition members reaffirmed their commitment to working collaboratively to advocate for safe education across the region, promote practices that protect education from the impacts of conflict, and ensure that every girl has the opportunity to learn in a safe, protective and supportive learning environment.By fostering strong partnerships among government institutions, civil society organizations, development partners, and girls themselves, the coalition will play a vital role in advancing girls’ education and safeguarding the right to education across the Amhara Region.Together, we are building safer schools, stronger partnerships, and brighter futures for every girl. 0 photo_2026-06-29_11-04-25 photo_2026-06-29_10-55-31 photo_2026-06-29_10-55-46 photo_2026-06-29_11-04-10

Empowering girls to become advocates for safer education! With the support of the Malala Fund, the project “Enhancing Girls’ Education through Promoting the Safe Schools Declaration in Conflict-Affected Regions” successfully conducted a capacity-building training on the Safe Schools Declaration (SSD) and human rights for girls in Bahir Dar, Amhara Region held at Unison Hotel on June 25, 2026.The training brought together girls from diverse backgrounds, including girls with disabilities, in-school girls, out-of-school girls, and internally displaced girls (IDPs). The inclusive participation ensured that the voices and experiences of girls affected by conflict and other challenges were represented.The training aimed to:·       Raise awareness and strengthen girls understanding of the Safe Schools Declaration (SSD) and its importance in protecting education during conflict, while empowering girls to promote its implementation in their schools.·       Equip girls with knowledge of their rights under national and international human rights frameworks, enabling them to claim and advocate for those rights.·       Strengthen girls’ leadership, confidence, and advocacy skills to promote safe, inclusive, and gender-responsive learning environments within their schools and communities. By capacitating in girls’ knowledge, leadership, and advocacy skills, the project is helping to build safe and protective learning environments where every girl can learn, thrive, and realize her full potential. Together, we are advancing safe schools, protecting education, and empowering girls to lead positive change. photo_2026-06-29_11-21-51 photo_2026-06-29_11-21-30 photo_2026-06-29_11-21-17 photo_2026-06-29_11-21-01 photo_2026-06-29_11-20-52 photo_2026-06-29_11-03-06 photo_2026-06-29_11-02-37 photo_2026-06-29_11-01-40