The Ethiopian Orthodox Church Development and Inter-Church Aid Commission (EOC-DICAC) has officially launched its Integrated Response to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Protection Project in Enjibara town, Awi Zone, Amhara Region.
The project comes at a critical time when communities in the region are facing high rates of gender-based violence, limited access to protection services, internal displacement, and weak child protection systems. These challenges, compounded by resource constraints, have heightened the vulnerability of women, girls, and other at-risk groups affected by crises and conflict.
EOC-DICAC Launched “Integrated Response to GBV/Protection Project in Awi Zone, Amhara Region
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church Development and Inter-Church Aid Commission (EOC-DICAC) has officially launched its Integrated Response to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Protection Project in Enjibara town, Awi Zone, Amhara Region.
The project comes at a critical time when communities in the region are facing high rates of gender-based violence, limited access to protection services, internal displacement, and weak child protection systems. These challenges, compounded by resource constraints, have heightened the vulnerability of women, girls, and other at-risk groups affected by crises and conflict.
Mr. Melesse Adal, Deputy director and Head of the Finance Office in Awi Zone Administration, noteed the importance of collaboration and accountability in addressing GBV. The Awi Zone Administration is fully committed to this cause, aiming to protect and empower all individuals within the community.
The project seeks to ensure that survivors of sexual and gender-based violence have access to life-saving and specialized services tailored to their immediate needs. It also aims to strengthen community structures and build the capacity of service providers to effectively prevent, respond to, and address GBV issues.
With the objective of improving GBV protection for vulnerable women and girls in crisis and conflict situations, the project will benefit 12,891 individuals in Awi Zone, specifically in Jawi, Fagta Lakoma, and Ayehu Guagsa Woredas.
With a total budget of USD 499,999.98, funded by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) through the Ethiopian Humanitarian Fund (EHF) 40% of the project fund will invested in North Shoa zone and the rest 60% will be invested in Awi Zone.
The workshop concluded with a discussion among the respective stakeholders. Throughout this discussion, participants focused on several key topics, including:
Selection of Safe Space and Wellness Center Sites: Stakeholders engaged in a thorough examination of potential sites for safe spaces and wellness centers, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and community needs. Additionally other critical issues were addressed, ensuring that all perspectives were considered in the planning and implementation processes.
Overall, the collaborative dialogue fostered a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead in establishing effective support systems.
The intervention will be implemented in two zones of the Amhara Region: Awi Zone (Jawi, Fagta Lakoma, and Ayehu Guagsa Woredas) and North Shoa Zone (Minjar Shenkora and Moretina Jiru Woredas).
In total, the project will directly reach 21,485 people and indirectly benefit more than 36,200 individuals across both zones.
By integrating protection and response mechanisms, EOC-DICAC reaffirms its commitment to advancing gender equality, promoting access to justice, and building safer, more resilient communities across Ethiopia.