The purpose of the quarterly published Gender Alert is to highlight gender specific impact of the multiple crisis in Ethiopia. This issue focuses on women’s engagement in peace and security. It is a snapshot on the situation in Ethiopia when it comes to women participating in peace related processes.

This policy brief highlights the main findings of four academic research papers on the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda that were presented during a workshop organized by UN Women Ethiopia Country Office in December 2021. The findings focus on protection of women from conflict-related sexual violence; gender-sensitive recovery programs; role of women human rights defenderds in supporting the WPS agenda; and awareness of Members of Parliament on the agenda.

The current drought response in Ethiopia is being scaled up across sectors, including food security, nutrition assistance, provision of safe water and sanitation, and livelihood protection. In addition, other urgent humanitarian assistance to drought- stricken areas such as agriculture and livestock support for pastoralist communities are also being increased. Nonetheless, the needs of women and girls may not be met due to a number of compounding factors such as the breakdown of key services which are critical to the health, protection, and recovery of women and girls; weakened informal and formal protection and accountability mechanisms; disrupted livelihoods, increased displacement, power imbalances, and limited access to resources.

This study builds on UN Women’s achievements and experience in supporting women and girls during the COVID pandemic within the East and Southern Africa Region and other parts of the world.

UN Women amplified women’s role in the COVID-19 response highlighting the significant leadership roles women played in leading the response efforts in materials on COVID-19 prevention disseminated in local languages and hand washing facilities were constructed in 6 elementary schools. 528 returnee migrant women workers from the Middle East and domestic workers across Addis Ababa have been provided with basic sanitation and hygiene training and raising awareness on the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on women, girls, and vulnerable and marginalized groups.

The review indicated that Ethiopia has not only ratified many of the conventions and treaties related to refugees and asylum seekers, but also formalized these laws into its Constitution and in the national Refugee Proclamation. However, a closer analysis of the health sector focusing on sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health (SRMNCAH) services to women and girls in the humanitarian settings, the laws, policies, strategies, guidelines, programs, and plans of the sector indicated a clear gap.

The UN Women WCARO annual report aims to share information about the regional office's activities on women empowerment and gender equality in 2020. The said year has been a particularly difficult year around the world with the COVID-19 pandemic. In West and Central Africa (WCA), women and girls were particularly vulnerable to the crisis. To counter these burdens and build medium and long- term recovery measures, the UN Women WCA Regional Office successfully provided multi-faceted assistance...

The publication presents UN Women Ethiopia key results on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE). It highlights thevaluable collaboration with government institutions, development partners, regional organisations, UN Agencies and CSOs as key approach for GEWE’s accomplishments.

This executive brief is a synthesis of key findings and recommendations from a multi country analytical study by UN Women on child marriage in Africa covering ten countries selected due to their comparatively higher prevalence of child marriage in the continent and globally.

This edition addresses the Health issues of Women in Malawi and Senegal, Education in Burkina Faso and in Africa, Peace and Security in Cameroon and at African Union, Women in Agriculture in Mozambique and Ethiopia and Women Economque Empowerment across Africa.

In this issue : Adoption of the 2nd National Action Plan for Resolution 1325 (2000) UN Women - Japan partnership Government Collaboration Gender and Development Assistance Mini UN Women Executive Board Women & Political Participation «Musow aw ka Waati Sera!» Gender & the Defense and Security Forces Meeting with a female soldier Gender Forum : « Musow Bulon» Gender & Local Development Echoes from the Regions VIP Gender Fight against...