Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, May 30, 2024 – The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Ethiopia and the Embassy of Canada in Ethiopia today launched the project entitled "Protecting the Dignity and Rights of Women and Girls in Ethiopia" in the presence of representatives from the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs and the Ministry of Health. 

This 7 year project spanning the years from 2024 to 2030 has a total budget of CAD $65 million (ETB 2,706,898,454). The project will be implemented in 55 woredas across eight regions: Afar, Amhara, Benishangul Gumuz, Gambella, Oromia, Sidama, Somali, and Tigray. It aims to reach more than 1.5 million people with integrated services on gender-based violence and sexual and reproductive health, indirectly benefiting a total of more than 4 million people in the targeted areas.

H.E. Joshua Tabah, Ambassador of Canada to Ethiopia, expressed, "This partnership with UNFPA underscores Canada's steadfast commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in Ethiopia. We need to work together to break the cycle of sexual and gender-based violence. We believe that everyone has the right to live free from sexual violence, including where there is armed conflict. By enhancing legal protections and providing comprehensive support services, we aim to foster safer, more equitable communities where every woman and girl can thrive.”

UNFPA Ethiopia Representative, Mr. Koffi Kouame, added, "This project marks a significant step forward in our mission to safeguard the rights and health of women and girls in Ethiopia. By providing essential services and fostering a supportive environment, we are not just responding to immediate needs, but also empowering women and girls to build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.”

The project  aims to enhance the dignity and rights of women and girls across Ethiopia through increased legal protection, survivor-centered justice mechanisms, and improved quality and coordination of integrated Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services. Furthermore, the project seeks to bolster the capacity to manage GBV risks and promote positive behavioral change within communities.

This comprehensive project will also support  the establishment and support of 10 Safe Houses, 10 Women and Girls’ Friendly Spaces, 14 One-Stop Centers (OSCs), and 40 primary healthcare facilities and hospitals. By 2030, the project is expected to provide over one million women and girls with various reproductive health services, including clinical management of rape, maternal health, family planning, and management of obstetric complications and related morbidities such as fistula and pelvic organ prolapse. The project will also offer free legal aid support to GBV survivors, psychosocial support, as well as treatment and rehabilitation services to fistula survivors.

This multi-year project will be implemented in partnership with  national and local governmental entities, non-governmental organizations, and women-led organizations,  working on addressing GBV and promoting the sexual and reproductive health and rights  of women and girls in Ethiopia.