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Creating awareness, inspiring change, and strengthening communities! ✨ NEWA, in partnership with Oxfam in Ethiopia, is implementing the Women in Economic Empowerment and Care (WE-CARE) Phase V Project. On May 13,2026 an engaging and impactful awareness-raising workshop was successfully conducted in Dire Dawa in collaboration with the Dire Dawa Women Association. Representatives from the Dire Dawa Women Association, who previously participated in the Training of Trainers (TOT) session held in February, cascaded the training to community representatives, including Aba gada leaders and religious leaders. The session created an active platform for discussion, learning, and collective commitment toward addressing unpaid care and domestic work (UCDW) and promoting gender equality within communities. The workshop was highly interactive, insightful, and inspiring demonstrating the power of community leadership in driving sustainable social change. Most importantly, this approach ensures the sustainability of the project even beyond its implementation period, as the ownership and continuation of the initiative remain within the community itself. Together, we continue to amplify voices, challenge harmful social norms, and build more equitable and resilient communities. #WECAREProject #NEWA #Oxfam #GenderEquality #CommunityEngagement #UnpaidCareWork #SocialChange #CareEconomy #CommunityOwnership #Sustainability

Historic Alliance: Religious Leaders and NEWA Sign Solemn Covenant to End FGM, Child Marriage, and Violence Against Children ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA – May 19, 2026 – In a milestone convergence for human rights and social transformation, the Network of Ethiopian Women’s Associations (NEWA), in close partnership with UNICEF and key multi-sectoral stakeholders, successfully convened a high-level Interface Meeting with Religious Leaders today, May 19, 2026, at the Sapphire Addis Hotel. The high-stakes, one-day forum culminated in a historic breakthrough this afternoon: the formal signing of a collective covenant by prominent faith leaders, public officials, and civil society actors, pledging an unyielding commitment to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), Child Marriage (CM), and all forms of violence against children across Ethiopia. Recognizing that faith leaders hold unparalleled influence in shaping community values and social norms, the meeting shifted the traditional paradigm by anchoring advocacy in core theological principles of compassion, human dignity, and protection of the vulnerable. Mobilizing Faith and FactThe event featured a series of strategic, participatory sessions designed to bridge the gap between institutional policy and community-led execution: The Lens of Compassion and Faith: Zemzem Shikur (UNICEF, Child Protection Section) delivered a compelling presentation demonstrating how religious doctrines can be powerful vehicles for child protection, re-framing the fight against FGM and Child Marriage as an expression of faith-driven empathy. A Roadmap of Grassroots Action: NEWA’s Program Coordinator detailed the network’s ongoing localized interventions, providing a blueprint for scalable, community-centered protection mechanisms. Proven Solutions from the Field: The Watch Dog Committee showcased regional best practices, proving that consistent, faith-based advocacy combined with localized surveillance can decisively disrupt harmful traditional practices. Multi-Sectoral Dialogue and the CovenantA dynamic panel discussion brought together a diverse coalition of faith leaders, government representatives, civil society organizations (CSOs), youth advocates, and women’s rights defenders. The dialogue candidly addressed the systemic challenges of altering deeply entrenched cultural norms, the absolute necessity of actively engaging men and boys in gender-transformative work, and mechanisms for strengthening joint accountability. The undeniable climax of the day was the Commitment Session. In a profound display of unity, religious leaders representing various faiths stood alongside NEWA executives to sign a binding covenant. This document serves as a public declaration that harmful practices have no basis in faith and outlines concrete actions leaders will take within their respective congregations to protect the girl child. Looking ForwardReflecting on the day’s achievements, Saba G/Medhin, Executive Director of NEWA, joined faith leaders in delivering the closing remarks, emphasizing that the signing of the covenant is not an end point, but the catalyst for a rigorous, nationwide enforcement of child protection ideals. The session concluded with an extensive media capturing event, securing video testimonies and declarations from influential religious figures to be deployed in upcoming national behavioral change campaigns.

National Validation Workshop Strengthens Safe Schools Agenda in Conflict-Affected Regions The National Validation Workshop on the Assessment of Safety and Protection in Conflict-Affected Schools, with a focus on Girls’ Risks and Vulnerabilities particularly in the Amhara and Tigray regions, was successfully conducted on May 20, 2025, at Mado Hotel in Addis Ababa. The workshop brought together participants from government ministries, regional government bureaus, INGOs, and CSOs to discuss and validate the findings and recommendations of the draft assessment report on school safety and protection in conflict-affected areas, with particular emphasis on girls’ specific risks and vulnerabilities. During the workshop, Horizon Research and Consultancy presented the key findings of the assessment, highlighting the major challenges affecting the safety, protection, and education of girls in conflict-affected schools. The workshop provided an important platform for constructive discussion, feedback, and collective reflection aimed at strengthening the assessment findings and recommendations. It also contributed to enhancing advocacy efforts to promote safe, inclusive, and protective learning environments, as well as supporting the endorsement and implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration

Ensuring diverse voices are heard! On May 7 and 8, 2026, we held a vital multi-stakeholder workshop in Assosa, Benishangul-Gumuz. The primary goal of this forum was to draft a comprehensive framework for women’s participation to ensure that diverse perspectives are actively included in the peacebuilding process. Over the course of the two-day event, stakeholders engaged in deep, meaningful discussions on several critical topics. Participants focused on raising awareness around transitional justice and post-conflict peacebuilding, while also identifying local challenges and obstacles to participation in peace processes. The dialogue addressed gaps in truth-seeking, exploring how institutions can support a potential Truth Commission, and included detailed discussions on reparations. By the end of the workshop, participants successfully collaborated on the initial framework development and carefully planned out the detailed next steps for the initiative. Sustainable peace requires inclusive voices! 🕊✨

Regional- Level Capacity Building Training on the Safe School Declaration (SSD) – Bahir Dar With the support of the Malala Fund, NEWA successfully conducted a regional-level capacity-building training on the Safe Schools Declaration (SSD) for government bureaus, women’s rights organizations (WROs), community-based organizations (CBOs), and civil society organizations (CSOs) on April 27, 2026, in the Amhara Region. The training was held at Unison Hotel in Bahir Dar. A total of 36 participants (Female: 14, Male: 22) from Dessie and Bahir Dar attended the training, which aimed to strengthen the capacity of key stakeholders to effectively implement, monitor, and advocate for the Safe Schools Declaration, ensuring safe and inclusive learning environments for all. The training was officially opened by W/ro Saba Gebremedhin, Executive Director of NEWA, who delivered meaningful opening remarks emphasizing the importance of protecting education, particularly for girls in conflict-affected settings. Throughout the sessions, participants actively shared experiences and engaged in discussions on strategies to advocate for the endorsement of the Safe Schools Declaration in Ethiopia. Special emphasis was placed on the importance of collaboration and coordination among stakeholders to advance this agenda. In addition, a regional coalition group was established in the Amhara Region. The coalition consists of 15 members, including representatives from the regional government bureaus, Bahir Dar University, and various CSOs, WROs, and CBOs. The establishment of the coalition aims to strengthen coordination among stakeholders and advocate for the Ethiopian government to endorse the Safe Schools Declaration at the national level.

National- Level Capacity Building Training on the Safe School Declaration – Addis Ababa With the support of Malala Fund, NEWA successfully conducted a national-level capacity-building training on the Safe Schools Declaration for government stakeholders and civil society organizations on April 21, 2026, at Sapphire Hotel in Addis Ababa. A total of 20 (Female- 12 and Male- 8) participants attended the training, which aimed to strengthen the capacity of key stakeholders to effectively implement, monitor, and advocate for the Safe Schools Declaration ensuring safe and inclusive learning environments for all. The training was officially opened by representatives from the Ministry of Education, who delivered meaningful remarks highlighting the importance of protecting education, particularly for girls in conflict-affected settings. Throughout the sessions, participants actively shared experiences and engaged in discussions on strategies to advocate for the endorsement of the Safe Schools Declaration in Ethiopia. Emphasis was placed on the importance of collaboration and coordination among stakeholders to advance this agenda. Together, we move forward in promoting safe and supportive learning environments for every girl.

NEWA concluded the second session of its Cross-Regional Networking and Experience Sharing Platform in Semera, Afar Building on the momentum of our first successful session in Bahir Dar, Amhara , the Network of Ethiopian Women’s Associations (NEWA) recently concluded the second session of its Cross-Regional Networking and Experience Sharing Platform in Semera, Afar on April 16, 2026.It serves as vital bridge between regions, gathering peacebuilders from Somali, Amhara, Tigray, Oromia, Benishangul-Gumuz, and Afar alongside key representatives from Regional Security and Justice Offices—including the Regional Police and Sharia Courts. By learning from one another’s successes and challenges , these diverse stakeholders engaged in insightful discussions to align institutional frameworks with community-led initiatives. This collaborative spirit focused on refining a Coordinated Mechanism to ensure that regional peacebuilding efforts are no longer isolated, but integrated into a unified national strategy that empowers every participant to return as an agent of lasting peace in their respective regions.NEWA remains committed to ensuring that the lessons learned in Bahir Dar and Semera translate into a lasting, coordinated effort for national peace.

In partnership with the Malala-Fund, NEWA supported girls in organizing an interface meeting with regional decision-makers on the Girls’ Manifesto In partnership with the Malala-Fund, NEWA supported girls in organizing an interface meeting with regional decision-makers on the Girls’ Manifesto. The event took place on April 16, 2026, at Unison Hotel in Bahir Dar, Amhara Region. The meeting aimed to strengthen girls’ ownership of the Manifesto by creating space for direct, grassroots-level dialogue, enabling them to confidently present and advocate for their priorities to regional stakeholders and decision-makers. It also served as a platform to review the implementation status of the Manifesto, assess stakeholders’ progress in fulfilling their commitments, and promote accountability and sustained engagement. A total of 35 participants (30 female and 5 male) attended the event, including representatives from the Regional Bureau of Education, Bahir Dar City Education Office, Regional Bureau of Justice, Regional Bureau of Plan and Development, Amhara Women Association, and other key stakeholders. During the meeting, girls took the lead in presenting the Manifesto and actively engaging with stakeholders. The program concluded with remarks from the Regional Bureau of Education and the Bureau of Plan and Development, who committed to taking forward the Manifesto and upholding accountability for their pledges.

NEWA and UNICEF Ethiopia Strengthen United Front Against FGM and Child Marriage Addis Ababa, April 8, 2026 — The Network of Ethiopian Women’s Associations (NEWA), in partnership with UNICEF Ethiopia, successfully concluded a two-day intensive project review meeting held in Addis Ababa from April 7–8, 2026. The meeting focused on accelerating efforts to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), Child Marriage (CM), and Violence Against Children through strengthened collaboration and community-driven action. The event brought together women-led associations, government representatives, and development partners, serving as a strategic platform to reinforce grassroots leadership in addressing harmful traditional practices. Opening the meeting, Saba G/Medhin, Executive Director of NEWA, delivered a strong call to action, emphasizing the importance of empowering grassroots, women-led associations to lead transformative change within their communities. She highlighted the need to address resistance in regions such as Somali by engaging religious leaders, drawing on NEWA’s successful experience in the Afar region. She also expressed deep appreciation to UNICEF Ethiopia for its continued support and acknowledged the critical role of government and community structures in fostering collective impact. Zemzem Shikur, Child Protection Specialist at UNICEF Ethiopia, presented key global and national data on FGM and child marriage, along with performance indicators. She commended the efforts of NEWA and its partners and emphasized the importance of accelerating measurable progress in line with international standards. The meeting also featured a session led by Azmera Kassahun, who introduced the concept of “Positive Masculinity,” encouraging the active involvement of men and boys as allies in eliminating harmful practices. In addition, we outlined a strategic roadmap for the project’s final phase, set to conclude in October 2026, with a strong focus on expanding community-level impact through mass mobilization initiatives such as marketplace campaigns, school clubs, and community caravans, while also prioritizing the revitalization of anti-FGM structures by linking civil society organizations with traditional and religious platforms like Iddir and Eqqub. Representatives from the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ending FGM, child marriage, and other harmful traditional practices. Regional delegates shared field-level experiences, highlighting both progress achieved and persistent challenges. The meeting also emphasized the importance of documenting “Most Significant Change” stories to capture community-level impact and ensure sustainability. Participants further stressed the need to integrate and support youth-led initiatives within existing government systems. Success stories from partner organizations showcased tangible progress on the ground, reinforcing confidence in ongoing efforts. To safeguard these achievements, NEWA’s finance and program teams underscored the importance of strict donor compliance and safeguarding protocols to ensure transparency, accountability, and the protection of children. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to strengthen partnerships, scale up community engagement, and translate strategic discussions into meaningful and lasting impact.

NEWA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs and with support from the UN Trust Fund organized a one-day national sensitization workshop On April 3, 2026, the Network of Ethiopian Women’s Associations (NEWA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs and with support from the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women, organized a one-day national sensitization workshop on policies and strategies addressing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and women’s rights in conflict situations, held at Inter Luxury Hotel, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The workshop brought together over 40 participants from government institutions, civil society organizations, development partners, and women’s rights advocates to conduct a structured analysis of policy and implementation gaps, assess institutional accountability, and generate evidence-based recommendations to strengthen responses to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and women’s rights in conflict situations.Presentations from the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs and Ministry of Health highlighted progress and ongoing challenges in addressing SGBV, followed by a high-level panel discussion featuring the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs and Ministry of Health, Ministry of Justice, Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association, and Association for Women’s Sanctuary and Development. The panel fostered a dynamic dialogue on policy implementation gaps, coordination challenges, and institutional accountability.Participants then engaged in focused small-group discussions on legal and policy response and service delivery systems. In the legal and policy track, discussions highlighted gaps requiring policy reform, ratification, and improved enforcement, while identifying areas where existing laws are not effectively implemented. Participants also examined practical challenges faced by institutions and proposed recommendations to strengthen the responsiveness of legal frameworks. In the service delivery track, participants assessed coordination across federal, regional, and local levels, identifying weaknesses in referral systems, multi-sector collaboration, and accountability mechanisms, as well as gaps in infrastructure, budget, institutional commitment, and service provider capacity.The workshop generated concrete, actionable recommendations to strengthen legal and institutional frameworks, improve coordination and accountability, and enhance survivor-centered services—particularly in conflict-affected areas.This national dialogue marks an important step toward strengthening collective action, improving policy implementation, and ensuring better protection for women and girls affected by violence in Ethiopia.