News

The Ethiopian Network of Women’s Shelters (ENWS), together with its member organizations AWSAD Ethiopia, Agar Ethiopia, MELWDA, MCRC, and OPRIFS, is proudly and vibrantly participating in the 27th Addis Chamber International Trade Fair, taking place at the Addis Ababa Exhibition Center from April 23–25, 2026.

Organized under the theme “Sustainable Business, Competitive Ethiopia”, the trade fair is hosted by the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and has brought together high-level government officials, international guests, private sector actors, and development partners, creating a strong platform for innovation, networking, and partnership building.

📸High-level government officials and international guests during the official opening ceremony of the 27th Addis Chamber International Trade Fair at Addis Ababa Exhibition Center.

At the exhibition, ENWS and its member organizations are presenting impactful programs that focus on women’s empowerment, protection, and sustainable livelihood opportunities, particularly for survivors of gender-based violence.

📸 ENWS member organizations presenting survivor-made handmade products and livelihood initiatives at their exhibition booths during the 27th Addis Chamber International Trade Fair.

A key highlight of ENWS’s participation is the display and promotion of handmade commodities produced by survivors supported through ENWS member shelters. These products include locally crafted items developed through vocational training and economic empowerment programs, demonstrating survivors’ resilience, creativity, and determination to rebuild their lives through dignity and self-reliance.

The booth showcases a variety of survivor-made products and serves as a powerful reminder that with the right support, women and girls can transform their lives and become successful contributors to sustainable development.

📸 ENWS and its member organizations building partnerships and collaboration through their joint exhibition booth at the 27th Addis Chamber International Trade Fair. 🤝✨

Beyond promoting products, the trade fair provides an opportunity for ENWS and its members to create market linkages, strengthen partnerships, and explore collaboration with businesses and stakeholders to expand economic opportunities for survivors.

ENWS warmly invites the public, private sector partners, and development actors to visit the its member organiations booth and witness the inspiring work of survivors and shelter programs.

The trade fair is still ongoing until April 25 , don’t miss the opportunity to connect and support women-led change.

The Ethiopian Network of Women’s Shelters (ENWS) held a vibrant consultation session today with its member organizations to review and validate the findings of a Rapid Assessment on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in conflict-affected areas of Ethiopia.

The rapid assessment was conducted in four highly affected regions Amhara, Oromia, Tigray, and Benishangul-Gumuz with the aim of understanding the evolving GBV risks, the protection challenges faced by women and girls, and the availability of response services in crisis settings.

During the session, the lead researcher presented key findings, highlighting alarming GBV trends, major protection gaps, and urgent needs identified in the targeted regions. The presentation also emphasized how conflict and displacement continue to expose women and girls to increased risks of violence, exploitation, and limited access to essential services.

Following the presentation, ENWS member organizations and invited stakeholders engaged in an active and constructive discussion, providing feedback and sharing real-time experiences from the field. Participants reflected on the increasing demand for shelter services, psychosocial support, legal aid, and medical referrals, while also stressing the importance of strengthening coordination among GBV response actors.

ENWS member organizations and stakeholders during the consultation session on Rapid Assessment findings of GBV in conflict-affected regions of Ethiopia.

The session served as an important platform to promote collective learning, improve evidence-based programming, and reinforce ENWS’s commitment to ensuring a survivor-centered and coordinated GBV response in Ethiopia’s conflict-affected communities.

ENWS reaffirmed its dedication to working closely with partners and member organizations to strengthen protection systems, enhance service delivery, and advocate for sustainable support to women and girls affected by violence.