The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), in partnership with the Ethiopian government and international stakeholders, hosted a Learning and Action Forum on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on the final day of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. This event highlighted a united commitment to addressing GBV in Ethiopia.
The forum gathered representatives from government institutions, civil society organizations, NGOs, and development partners to exchange insights, share lessons learned, and devise collaborative strategies to combat GBV. USAID Ethiopia Mission Director Scott Hocklander emphasized the need for collective action, urging participants to “dig deep into lessons learned” and leverage their diverse experiences to strengthen the fight against GBV.
The Impact of Gender-Based Violence
The discussions underscored the severe consequences of GBV on Ethiopian society. GBV, including physical abuse, sexual harassment, child marriage, and female genital mutilation, not only devastates the lives of women and girls but also disrupts entire communities. It impedes access to education, limits economic participation, and perpetuates cycles of violence, particularly in conflict-affected areas.
“GBV is more than a horror for the people subjected to it—it is an obstacle to the progress and well-being of the entire nation,” USAID stated.
Collaborative Approaches to Prevention
Key topics addressed during the forum included legal and policy frameworks, survivor-centered services, and empowering women and girls. The interactive discussions aimed to foster collaboration, identify actionable solutions, and enhance the prevention of GBV while supporting survivors.
This initiative reinforces the U.S. Government’s commitment to combating GBV in Ethiopia, recognizing it as a critical barrier to development, social cohesion, and economic progress. The forum marks another step toward building a safer and more equitable society for all Ethiopians.
