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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.

NEWA held a two-day training on Advocacy and Communication Strategies for women-led and women’s rights organizations NEWA held a two-day training on Advocacy and Communication Strategies for women-led and women’s rights organizations on 10–11 December 2025, with support from UNICEF.The training brought together 21 participants, helping them strengthen their advocacy skills, communicate more effectively, and better influence policy. They also learned how advocacy can raise awareness on FGM and Child Marriage, and gained practical skills in strategy development, communication, and media engagement.

NEWA, together with Oxfam GB Ethiopia held an Awareness Raising Workshop on the Implementation of the New Child Care Center Directive. On December 11, 2025 at Mado Hotel, Addis Ababa, NEWA, together with Oxfam GB Ethiopia under the WE-CARE Phase V Project- held an Awareness Raising Workshop on the Implementation of the New Child Care Center Directive.The session featured insightful presentation on the New Child Care Center Directive by Mr. Nebiyou Dejene, Desk Head for Gender and Social Affairs at MoWSA, and Mr. Eniyew Tamiru- Gender and social affairs mainstreaming senior expert MoWSA, highlighting: Child Right Instruments/Legal and Policy Frameworks Benefits of Daycare Services Child Daycare Center in Ethiopia The need for system Strengthening  Directive No 1084/2025 The workshop aims to build commitment across sectors for the effective and institutional adoption of the Child Care Center Directive, ensuring that women with care responsibilities are recognized, supported, and represented in policy and budget decisions.Together, we’re working to recognize, reduce, redistribute, and represent, transforming Unpaid Care and Domestic Work for a more equitable future.

EWRA, in collaboration with NEWA, hosted a convening to commemorate Human Rights Day and mark the closing of the 16 Days of Activism On December 10, 2025, EWRA, in collaboration with NEWA, hosted a convening to commemorate Human Rights Day and mark the closing of the 16 Days of Activism. The event brought together diverse stakeholders to strengthen rights-based approaches to preventing and responding to gender-based violence (GBV).Participants engaged in a presentation on GBV as a human rights issue, highlighting persistent challenges in prevention and response. The discussion underscored that meaningful progress against GBV requires tackling its root causes, with gender inequality at the core, and building integrated responses through partnerships with community institutions, including Idirs.From reflective dialogue to collective commitments on the “Branches of Change” Human Rights Tree, the convening reinforced our shared mission: to protect women and girls, support women human rights defenders, and advance gender equality in all spaces.Happy International Human Rights Day!

NEWA in collaboration with Tilla Association of HIV Positive Women, supported women living with HIV and survivors of SGBV with essential food supplies 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence: Awareness Creation Session on the prevalence and response of GBV & Provision of food support for women living with HIV and survivors of SGBV to enhance their livelihoodsOn December 08, 2025, as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender- BAsed Violence, NEWA in collaboration with Tilla Association of HIV Positive Women, supported 62 women living with HIV and survivors of SGBV with essential food supplies.An awareness session to strengthen GBV prevention and response was also hosted. Participants shared their lived experiences and called for survivor-centered services, free legal and medical support, and expanded shelter services.NEWA’s team additionally visited the AWSAD Hawassa Shelter and donated sanitary pads to survivors — standing in solidarity and supporting their dignity and well-being.Together, we continue the movement to end GBV and uplift vulnerable women.

EWPB regional initiative in Tigray, with the support of the NEWA, conducted a two-day training on the role and active participation of women in post-war peacebuilding in Tigray As part of the Ethiopian Women Peace Builders (EWPB) regional initiative in Tigray, with the support of the Network for Ethiopian Women’s Association (NEWA) through its ‘’Building Localization and Resilience for the Women’s Peace and Security Agenda’’, a two-day training was conducted on the role and active participation of women in post-war peacebuilding in Tigray. The training engaged community women from the seven sub-cities of Mekelle.The purpose of the training was to deepen understanding of women’s leadership in sustainable peacebuilding and conflict resolution, strengthen advocacy for inclusive peace processes, and equip participants with practical tools for dialogue, reconciliation, and solidarity. By fostering networks among women peacebuilders, the initiative contributes to building a resilience and localization of women peace and security in the Tigray region.