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Combating Gender-Based Violence in the Dire Dawa Region

Project Overview

A cooperation project between the sister cities of Dire Dawa and Villeurbanne (France), this 24-month initiative is funded by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the French Embassy to Ethiopia. It addresses gender-based violence (GBV) in 25 kebeles of Dire Dawa through a multi-pronged strategy combining awareness-raising, capacity building, survivor-centered response, and socio-economic reintegration. Activities include school and community sessions, strengthening shelters and referral systems, as well as supporting survivors with business training and seed funding.

Objectives

  • Prevent and reduce GBV while increasing reporting.
  • Improve the quality and accessibility of essential services for GBV survivors.
  • Enhance coordination and capacity among stakeholders for effective GBV response.
  • Support the socio-economic reintegration and empowerment of women survivors of violence.

Target Audience

GBV survivors, community volunteers and influencers, service providers and civil society organizations, government and local authorities, adolescents, students, and wider community members.

Approach

  • Community Engagement: GBV awareness campaigns in schools, universities, and among the general public including vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities and sex workers. 
  • Capacity Building: Training for GBV service professionals, training-of-trainers for volunteers, international knowledge exchanges, and adaptation of standard operating procedures to the local context.
  • Service Improvement: Support to the BoWSA shelter, including materials, staff, and renovations; improved referral systems; and an income-generating initiative to sustain ongoing services.
  • Reintegration Support: Business skills training, mentorship, seed funding, and long-term rehabilitation to promote economic independence and social reintegration of survivors.

Expected outcome

  • Increased awareness and reporting of GBV cases among community members, particularly youth
  • Improved quality, accessibility, and coordination of services for GBV survivors
  • Strengthened institutional capacity for long-term GBV prevention and response
  • Empowered women survivors with economic independence and skills for reintegration
  • Sustainable support systems established to continue services beyond the project lifecycle

Timeline
July 2024 – June 2026 (24 months)

Call to Action

Business owners can support the initiative by mentoring women survivors involved in income-generating activities, purchasing their products, or offering sales platforms. Raise awareness about GBV in your community. Involve men and boys in the conversation—encourage them to become advocates for change. Help amplify our message by sharing and promoting our campaigns on your social media platforms.

Donor
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the City of Villeurbanne; and the French Embassy to Ethiopia and to the African Union

Target Area

Dire Dawa – Ethiopia