The Ethio Wetlands and Natural Resources Association (EWNRA), in partnership with CDF Canada through the Voice for Women and Girls project, successfully led a significant initiative in Abaya District, Oromia, Ethiopia, as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign. This powerful event brought together community leaders and members of Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs), as well as union representatives, with the shared goal of fostering collective action to combat GBV and promote gender equality.
The primary objective of the session was to increase awareness about the far-reaching social, economic, and psychological effects of GBV and to emphasize the crucial role SACCOs can play in supporting gender parity. Participants were also equipped with essential advocacy tools and practical strategies for preventing GBV within their communities.
Notable attendees included experts from the District Women and Children Affairs Office, 24 SACCO leaders, the SACCO Union manager, and representatives from both EWNRA’s head office and the Abaya project office. The discussions were led by EWNRA’s gender expert Frehiwot Endeshaw alongside a district technical expert. They offered an in-depth exploration of GBV’s root causes, its impacts on individuals and communities, and outlined actionable prevention measures.
One of the most inspiring outcomes of the event was the commitment shown by SACCO members. They pledged to become active voices against GBV, promising to take the message of equality and respect back to their respective communities. The event concluded with a community march where participants proudly carried banners to reinforce their dedication to raising awareness and motivating local involvement in the fight against GBV.
This event not only provided knowledge and training but also strengthened community bonds and highlighted the shared responsibility in ending gender-based violence.
By Mesfin Sodo
