News

The Ethiopian Network of Women Shelters (ENWS) successfully conducted a two-day Capacity Building Training on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) and Burnout Prevention from May 20–21, 2026, in Debre Zeit/Bishoftu City, in collaboration with Lebeza Psychiatry Hospital.

The training brought together representatives and frontline staff from ENWS member organizations working across Ethiopia to strengthen their knowledge, skills, and resilience in addressing mental health challenges, workplace stress, and burnout. The program focused on enhancing the wellbeing and professional effectiveness of counselors, case management officers, shelter staff, and other GBV response professionals who provide critical support services to women and girls affected by violence.

The sessions covered key topics including:

• Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) principles and approaches
• Stress management and self-care practices
• Burnout prevention and coping mechanisms
• Trauma-informed care and emotional resilience
• Staff wellbeing and workplace mental health support

Participants engaged in interactive discussions, practical exercises, and experience-sharing sessions aimed at promoting healthy work environments and strengthening psychosocial support systems within member organizations.

Speaking during the training, ENWS emphasized the importance of prioritizing the mental wellbeing of frontline service providers, recognizing that sustainable and quality support for survivors of gender-based violence depends on the health, resilience, and capacity of those delivering the services.

ENWS extends its appreciation to Lebeza Psychiatry Hospital for the valuable collaboration and technical contribution in facilitating the training. The Network also commends all participating member organizations for their commitment to strengthening survivor-centered and trauma-informed services throughout Ethiopia.

Through initiatives such as this, Ethiopian Network of Women Shelters (ENWS) continues to advance efforts toward building stronger, healthier, and more resilient GBV response systems and institutions.

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.