Shelters for women and girls who are survivors of violence in Ethiopia

Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) is one of the most systematic and widespread violations of human rights globally. It may occur against any woman or girl regardless of nationality, age or socio-economic status. In Ethiopia, violence against women and girls continues to be a major challenge and a threat to women’s empowerment. Women and girls face physical, psychological and sexual abuses that undermine their health and ability to earn livelihoods; disrupt their social systems and relationships; and particularly for girls, robs them of their childhood and education.

According to the 2011 Ethiopia Demographic Health Survey (EDHS), two of every three women (68%) and one of every two men (45%) believe that wife beating is justified under specific circumstance. The survey also indicated that 41% of Ethiopian women aged 20-24 had been married before they reached 18 years of age, while 8% of those aged 15-19 years were married before their 15th birthday.

The United Nations entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) commissioned this assessment on “the Availability, Accessibility, Quality and Demand for Rehabilitative and Reintegration Services for Women and Girl- Survivors of Violence in Ethiopia”. The assessment will add to the evidence-base for planning and development of appropriate interventions by state actors and other development partners, by identifying and mapping the existing rehabilitative and reintegration service centers; and compiling an inventory of their services, gaps and current barriers.