NEWA Hosts UN Trust Fund Mission to Review Progress in Strengthening SGBV Responses in Ethiopia
On October 20, 2026, the Network of Ethiopian Women’s Associations (NEWA) hosted a mission team from the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women (UNTF), alongside its regional implementing partners: Besa for Women Community-Based Development Association, Mujejeguwa Loka Women Development Association (MLWDA), and Rise and Shine Women Empowerment Center.
The mission provided an opportunity to review the first year’s progress and achievements under the four-year project, “Improving Legal and Service Responses to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Conflict-Affected Areas of Ethiopia.” NEWA presented the project progress report, highlighting key achievements, implementation challenges, actions taken to address them, and lessons learned to strengthen implementation and improve results.
The discussion also featured findings from two assessments: the Baseline Assessment of SGBV Service Delivery in Conflict-Affected Areas and the Assessment of Existing Accountability Mechanisms for Responding to SGBV and Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV). The findings informed reflections on service delivery gaps, the needs and priorities of women and girls, and opportunities to strengthen survivor-centred services and institutional accountability.
NEWA sincerely appreciates the mission team’s constructive technical feedback, valuable insights, and continued partnership. We also recognize the dedication of our regional implementing partners, whose collaboration and field experience are vital to learning, adapting, and improving responses to SGBV.
Together, we remain committed to advancing accessible, accountable, and survivor-centred services for women and girls affected by violence.
The project is implemented at the federal level and in Amhara, Benishangul-Gumuz, and Tigray regions, with financial support from the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women.
