Gender-based violence
No woman, no girl deserves this.
Our aim. To protect survivors of abuse, equip them for a safe, independent life, and tackle the root causes of gender-based violence in Ethiopia.
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The challenge today
Gender-based violence is one of the most systematic, widespread human rights violations in the world. In Ethiopia, half of all women have experienced physical or sexual violence at least once in their lifetime.
Despite laws which outlaw it, rates of gender-based violence in Ethiopia remain high. In many areas, traditional cultural values around the treatment of women are deeply entrenched and many people ignore or are simply unaware of new laws.
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The solution you can be part of
We’ve teamed up with an Ethiopia-wide project partner who run a two-part, evidence-based solution to provide immediate protection and tackle the root causes of gender-based violence.
- Providing safe sanctuary for women and girls experiencing abuse through five safe shelters across Ethiopia
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- Along with meals, healthcare and counselling, residents receive legal counsel, literacy lessons, art/dance therapy, self-defence classes and skills training so they can leave independent, confident and workplace-ready
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- Training law enforcement, community leaders and teachers on how to better identify, report and prosecute cases of violence
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- Running gender-based violence workshops in schools to ensure boys and girls don’t grow up normalising violence
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See the solution in action
One of five safe shelters – this one here is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital. The shelters are staffed 24/7 and women and girls who seek sanctuary here can stay as long as they need.
A young survivor of violence paints during her art therapy sessions. Residents take part in a variety of group and individually counselling along with art and dance therapy, self-defence and outdoor excursions. All of this helps them to heal and build up their self-confidence for a more resilient future.
Young women training as skilled hairdressers so they can earn an independent income when they leave the shelter and stand on their own two feet. There are many courses on offer including bamboo weaving, leather work, sewing and hairdressing.
Thanks to our project partner’s working partnerships with local law enforcement, local police now work hand-in-hand with the safe shelters to help survivors of abuse and prosecute perpetrators. Here are local police celebrating White Ribbon Day (Prevention of male violence against women and girls) at one of our safe shelters!
Project partners AWSAD run workshops in schools to teach about violence against women and girls. It means boys don’t grow up thinking it’s okay to hurt a woman. AWSAD sets up “clubs” in schools which students can join to become advocates against domestic violence and gender based violence in Ethiopia.
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The impact you can have
“I am so happy here because I eat good food, I sleep in a bed and I play with the other children.”
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Liya was barely old enough to go to school when she was raped for the first time.
“Every day when my family isn’t there, he takes me there. He forces me to lie on the ground.”
Her story is heartbreaking but thanks to project partners AWSAD, Liya had somewhere safe to turn and help seeking justice.
After three months of counselling, legal help and kids’ art therapy, Liya was able to return home happy and healthy, with peace of mind knowing her perpetrator was behind bars. She says she’s going to be an artist one day.
It’s not enough to make sure girls like Liya survive – through AWSAD, you can make sure they thrive.
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Meet your project partners
Association for Women's Sanctuary & Development
The Association for Women's Sanctuary & Development (AWSAD) was co-founded in 2003 by former High Court Judge and pro bono legal advisor, Maria Munir, who recognised women and girls facing abuse needed more than legal support. Today, AWSAD runs six 24/7 women’s safe shelters for survivors of abuse and takes an active stance against gender-based violence in these communities.
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Make your impact
Donate today to help protect a girl like Liya from abuse and stop this from happening to another woman or child.
