Initiatives in Amhara and Tigray Regions Aim to Support Survivors of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence

KOMBOLCHA, Ethiopia (BG) – UN Women Ethiopia has launched two shelters for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) in the Amhara and Tigray regions, addressing the urgent needs of women and girls affected by violence, including conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV).

The shelters in Kombolcha and Axum were developed in partnership with local organizations and launched in August and October 2024, respectively, UN Women said in a statement on Tuesday.

In Kombolcha, the shelter is part of a new project supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Speaking at the launch event, Ms. Helina Atlabachew, on behalf of UN Women Ethiopia Representative Ms. Cecile Mukarubuga, emphasized the shelter’s importance in addressing GBV, providing economic opportunities, and fostering resilience among survivors.

Kombolcha’s Deputy Mayor, Mr. Wondwossen Lisanework, called the project timely, highlighting the city’s vulnerability to GBV due to its role as a manufacturing hub and migration corridor.

In Tigray, the Women Association of Tigray (WAT) launched a shelter in Axum on October 10, 2024.

Executive Director Ms. Abeba Hailesilassie thanked UN Women for their bold support, urging stakeholders to ensure sustainability.

Ms. Addisalem Befekadu of UN Women reiterated the organization’s commitment to providing technical and financial backing for the project, calling for stakeholder collaboration.

Both shelters provide comprehensive services in alignment with the United Nations Global Essential Services Package, supporting survivors with rehabilitation, reintegration, and community-based interventions.

Representatives from justice, health, police, and local leaders attended the launches, signalling strong multi-sectoral support.

16 Days of Activism

The announcement comes as the world observes the annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, an international campaign that begins on Nov. 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and concludes on Dec. 10, Human Rights Day.

Spearheaded by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the campaign raises awareness about violence against women and girls worldwide.

According to a joint report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime(UNODC) and UN Women, 140 women and girls lose their lives every day at the hands of an intimate partner or close relative, equating to one woman or girl killed every 10 minutes.

In 2023 alone, 85,000 women and girls were intentionally killed, with 60% (51,000) of these homicides committed by intimate partners or family members.

Femicide is the ultimate and most brutal manifestation of violence against women and girls,” according to UN Women.

UN Women Ethiopia’s initiatives, such as the shelters launched in Kombolcha and Axum, reflect the ongoing global commitment to combating gender-based violence and creating safe spaces for survivors.