UN Women signed a partnership agreement with WAT to address conflict-related sexual violence through the provision of comprehensive shelter services
UN Women Ethiopia has taken a significant step toward addressing violence against women and girls (VAWG), particularly conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), by launching two shelters in Kombolcha, Amhara Region, and Axum, Tigray Region. The shelters aim to provide essential support services, fostering recovery and resilience for survivors.
The Kombolcha shelter, operated by the Association of Women in Sanctuary and Development (AWSAD), was inaugurated on August 8, 2024. The Axum shelter, managed by the Women’s Association of Tigray (WAT), opened on October 10, 2024. These initiatives align with the United Nations Global Essential Services Package to combat gender-based violence (GBV) and ensure survivor-centered services, including safe housing, hotlines, and one-stop centers.
Addressing GBV in Kombolcha
The Kombolcha shelter, supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is part of a broader project titled “Increase Access to Rehabilitation and Reintegration Services for Women and Girls’ Survivors of CRSV in Amhara Region.” Ms. Helina Atlabachew, speaking on behalf of UN Women Ethiopia representative Ms. Cecile Mukarubuga, highlighted the shelter’s role in meeting the urgent needs of CRSV survivors.
“This marks a significant step in addressing the urgent needs of survivors of CRSV and women affected by conflict in the Amhara region through shelter services, creating economic opportunities, capacity building of essential service providers, and community-based interventions to foster sustainable recovery and resilience,” Ms. Helina said.
Kombolcha Deputy Mayor, Mr. Wondwossen Lisanework, stressed the timeliness of the project. “The city is a corridor for the movement of people, including migrants, and a hub of manufacturing industries with a predominantly female workforce vulnerable to GBV. This project is vital to address the widespread issue,” he noted.
Launching Shelter Services in Axum
The newly established shelter in Axum addresses a critical gap, as no similar services existed in the western part of Tigray. At the launch event, WAT Executive Director Ms. Abeba Hailesilassie expressed gratitude for UN Women’s support and stressed the importance of sustainability.
“UN Women has taken bold steps to support the women of Tigray, especially survivors of violence. I request stakeholders to provide continuous support and urge UN Women to ensure sustainability through additional resource mobilization,” she said.
Ms. Addisalem Befekadu, representing UN Women, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to providing technical and financial support to the shelter. She also urged stakeholders to collaborate in strengthening referral systems and project coordination.
Collaborative Efforts for Survivor Support
Both launch events brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from women and social affairs offices, justice, health services, police, courts, and community and religious leaders. The unified presence underscored the importance of coordinated efforts to enhance services for GBV survivors.
UN Women’s initiatives in Kombolcha and Axum represent a vital step in addressing the consequences of GBV in Ethiopia, particularly in conflict-affected regions. By providing safe spaces and comprehensive services, the shelters aim to empower survivors, enabling them to rebuild their lives and contribute to their communities.
Discover more from Global-360 Africa
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
