ENWS Participates in National Conference on Harmonized SOPs to Prevent and Respond to Violence Against Women in Elections

The Ethiopian Network of Women Shelters (ENWS) participated in a national conference organized by the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) on the development and approval of Harmonized Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the prevention and response to violence against women during elections in Ethiopia. The conference aimed to strengthen coordinated national efforts to ensure safer, more inclusive, and violence-free electoral processes for women.

The event brought together key government institutions and stakeholders, including the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, the Federal Police, Addis Ababa Police Commission, and representatives from political party associations. Civil society organizations and development partners such as UN Women, the Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association (EWLA), the Ethiopia Women Elections Association, and other relevant actors also took part in the conference.

During the conference, stakeholders reviewed, discussed, and validated the drafted SOPs, ensuring that they provide clear guidance on prevention, reporting, referral pathways, coordination, and response mechanisms for election-related violence against women. The SOPs were formally signed and approved by participating stakeholders, marking an important milestone in strengthening national collaboration and reinforcing protection and accountability mechanisms.

As a national network working to eliminate gender-based violence and support survivors through shelter and comprehensive services, ENWS contributed technical input and practical experience to ensure the SOPs are survivor-centered, effective, and responsive to the realities faced by women and girls across Ethiopia.

ENWS remains committed to supporting national efforts that promote women’s safety, dignity, and meaningful participation in Ethiopia’s democratic processes.