Ethiopian Women Empowerment Association (EWEA) is a non-profit organization established in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We are a group of women volunteers who are interested to empower less fortunate women in the areas of health, education, and socio-economic well-being.

EWEA strives to ensure every woman gets access to and participate in social, cultural, economic and environmental sectors. The aim is to strengthen the role of Ethiopian women in the country by enhancing their social, cultural, educational and economic statuses. We work to inspire women who are interested to do volunteer activities to support their community and are interested to achieve immediate and lasting change in the lives of their community. Through our work, we pursue the core values of accountability, creativity, integrity and family-centeredness.

EWEA has started to give training and support to selected women in Lideta sub city in income generating activities. The women were chosen for being the poorest of the poor in their community. The Association’s support in providing lifechanging training and finance to kick-start small businesses have started to improve their livelihood. There is also a plan to bring complementary activities in the realms of health, education and environmental protection. 

All members of the general assembly of EWEA are women. They provide monthly contributions to run the organization. Additional fund is also raised by interested individuals and companies. EWEA will provide the details of the fund utilization for all stakeholders. We are fully accountable and transparent to our members and donors.

Our Mission

We are dedicated to improve lives of Ethiopian women through social, economic and cultural development.

Our board

EWEA was established with a general assembly of 30 volunteer women. Out of that, the general assembly elected a board of directors of five members. The board of directors conducts monthly and ad hoc meetings and divide(assign) responsibilities. The members are from different backgrounds and experiences and are assigned to lead and provide technical support in their areas of profession. 

Our partners

EWEA promotes innovative collaboration and strategic partnerships with entities working for the same aim and mission. Working in partnership is central to EWEA’s mission to improve Ethiopian women’s lives and attitudes through social, economic and cultural development and bring immediate and lasting change.  We work closely with international and local NGOs (Civil Societies), government sector offices, the private sector and the media to share knowledge, influence others and build capacity to ensure well-being and improve livelihoods.  

Where we work

EWEA started economic strengthening activities in Lideta sub city, Abenet area. The plan is to expand in Addis and reach underprivileged communities and deliver comprehensive services. In the mid and long term, it will expand to other parts of the country.

What we do 

With the aim of enhancing the capacity of Ethiopian women, EWEA focuses on the below sectors.

Economic Empowerment 

EWEA generates funding to establish job creation opportunities for poor women. It provides opportunities for microcredit finance and other financial services and enables women to get credit and saving services. Using experts in the field, it provides training to build capacity and advice on financial planning.

Social protection  

We work to improve and ensure women’s social needs, safety and well-being in close collaboration with the government. EWEA provides additional support for low-income families, in particular those who have women as heads of household in accordance with national policies in the field of social protection. EWEA work closely with the urban Productive Safety Net Program and link with youth and women employment and micro-entrepreneurship programs to improve their livelihoods. 

Health 

EWEA works to improve knowledge and access to quality healthcare and services, clean water and sanitation as well as adequate and healthy nutrition. EWEA contributes to improvements in women and maternal health and creates more access to improved health services for the most vulnerable women. We support programs in reproductive and sexual health, childcare and nutrition particularly on maternal and child feeding strategies and supporting nutrition-sensitive livelihoods. EWEA intervenes in water, sanitation and hygiene activities to improve the quality of life for the communities. 

Psychosocial support 

EWEA provides psychosocial support to girls and women to enhance their social skill and relationship. It provides family counseling on parenting, marriage and similar social and cultural issues and helps build strong and healthy family and community.

Education

EWEA supports and advocates for the creation of equal opportunity for all women and girls to get quality education at all levels of vocational and skills training, as well as literacy programmes. EWEA works hard to ensure equal access for women and girls to education and training to equip them with necessary knowledge and skills to participate in decision-making processes. 

Protection against gender-based violence 

EWEA engages in combating different forms of violence against women and girls including deprivation of opportunities and full enjoyment of their rights. It equips girls and women with preventive skills and provides rehabilitation to victims. It also extends legal advise when needed. EWEA advocates and works closely with partners to develop cooperative paths for promoting women’s and girls’ rights and the protection of and assistance to all victims of violence against women.