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 resolving conflict. The women who are here today have come together because they have shared concern of lasting peace and security to their communities as well as to our country.” Said Ms. Saba. In addition, she requested everyone to stand together and support each other, as conflict cannot be addressed by only the EWPB network or NEWA. After the welcome remark by W/ro Saba G/Medhin, a video clip on: The Journey to the establishment of Ethiopian women Peacebuilders was officially launched.
H.E Sahle Work Zewde, President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Dr Ergogie Tesfaye, Minister of Women and Social affairs, Birtukan Mideksa, chairperson of National Electoral Board, Mrs. Hope Tumukunde Gasatura, Ambassador of Rwanda, and Mrs. Jainaba Jagne, Ambassador of Republic of the Gambia are among the high-level dignitaries attended the launching of EWPB network.
In her official opening speech, H.E President Sahle Work Zewdie, spoke about the ongoing conflict that caused displacement, migration, gender-based violence, loss of life, and the aftermath of conflict and war in most parts of the country. “We must wake up from this horrific moment. It is very good that all of you have come here to discuss and make your contribution to restore peace, this is very timely and crucial for the solidarity of the country.” said the president.
The president who mentioned that she is one of the founders of African Women Leaders Network, (AWLN) and also a pioneer member of FemWise, where she met women leaders and decision makers who are concerned about lack of peace in the continent and the price women have to pay said “such initiatives need to be encouraged and supported, I am happy that we have committed women who are ready to take any risk for peace to be restored”.
Dr. Ergogie Tesfaye, in her part, said women’s role in peace building and conflict resolution which is very crucial in today’s Ethiopia more than ever.
The announcement of an award named after the late Ms Sendu Gebru, the first Woman parliamentarian during King Haileselassie regime was one of the day’s colorful events. The 2022 recognition award was given to Ms. Zewdie Abegaz, for her outstanding work on gender issues and for being one of the pioneers in creating awareness and facilitating series of gender trainings across the country for thousands of women and men in Ethiopia and beyond. Ms. Zewide was one of the gender activists who was behind the drafting and enactment of the Ethiopian National Women Policy.
Finally, H.E Sahle Work Zewde officially declared the launch of the Ethiopian Women Peace Builders (EWPB) network.
