Adama, April 16, 2024 – The Ministry of Women, Children, and Youth (MoWSA) of Ethiopia, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the Gender-Based Violence Area of Responsibility (GBV AoR) has unveiled the National Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention, Risk Mitigation, and Response. This landmark initiative marks a significant milestone in Ethiopia's ongoing efforts to combat GBV and safeguard the rights and dignity of women and girls nationwide.

Despite commendable progress in legislative and policy measures, Ethiopia continues to grapple with alarmingly high rates of GBV, particularly in humanitarian and post-emergency settings. Recognizing the urgent need for a coordinated and comprehensive response, MoWSA and UNFPA have developed these SOPs to provide clear guidelines and protocols for preventing, mitigating, and responding to GBV incidents.

The newly launched SOPs outline systematic procedures for identifying and addressing GBV risks, ensuring timely and effective support to survivors, and holding perpetrators accountable. By standardizing protocols across various sectors and institutions, including health, justice, and social services, the SOPs aim to enhance coordination, improve service delivery, and strengthen the overall response to GBV in Ethiopia.

"The launch of the National Standard Operating Procedures represents a crucial step forward in our collective efforts to combat gender-based violence and promote gender equality in Ethiopia," stated Ato Getachew Bedane, Advisor to the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs (MoWSA). "These SOPs will serve as a vital tool in guiding our actions and ensuring that survivors of GBV receive the support and protection they urgently need."

UNFPA Deputy Representative in Ethiopia,  Taiwo Oluyomi, emphasized the transformative impact of the SOPs, stating, "By establishing clear and standardized procedures, the SOPs will not only enhance the quality of GBV prevention and response services but also contribute to a more enabling environment for survivors to seek assistance and justice."

The launch of the National Standard Operating Procedures  represents a significant milestone in Ethiopia's commitment to addressing GBV comprehensively and underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between government institutions and international partners. It is anticipated that the implementation of these SOPs will contribute to a safer and more inclusive society for all Ethiopians, with a particular focus on the most vulnerable populations.

For media inquiries, please contact:

MoWSA: Nigus Wubayehu, Communication Officer: nigus.wubayehu@gmail.com / +251 946724872

UNFPA: Paula Fernández, UNFPA Communication Specialist: pfernandez@unfpa.org / +251 935597136