Empowering Women and Girls in Ethiopia

The project aims to enhance the well-being of marginalized women and girls in the Afar and Harari regions of Ethiopia. Project activities include: (1) providing training to community leaders and members including marginalized women and girls on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) including issues related to gender-based violence (GBV) and harmful traditional practices (child early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation); (2) providing training and technical assistance to local health service providers and facilities including community-based health extension workers and birth attendants on improving sexual and reproductive health service delivery and on preventing responding to and reporting on GBV; (3) creating income generating opportunities for women and youth through training in vocational financial literacy and business skills and facilitating their access to markets; and (4) sensitizing community leaders on the barrier to and benefits of women and youth entrepreneurship. The project works with 3 190 pastoralist women and girls 3 000 disabled women and girls and mothers of disabled persons 5 000 men and boys and 3 190 community leaders and health service personnel.

The expected outcomes of this project include: (1) improved utilization of SRHR services by marginalized women and girls in the four targeted districts; and (2) increased economic decision-making of women and youth in small business development in the four targeted districts.