Advancing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda in Ethiopia by Empowering Women Media Practitioners

UN Women Ethiopia has been undertaking various efforts to strengthen gender-responsive journalism and promote peacebuilding in Ethiopia. As part of this, capacity building trainings on the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda and Gender Sensitive Conflict Reporting has been undertaken in collaboration with the Ethiopian Media Women Association (EMWA). 

The most recent trainings were held in two rounds (09–11 June and 12–14 June 2025) and brought together 75 women media practitioners from Addis Ababa, Amhara, South Ethiopia, Harar, Dire Dawa, Somali, Benishagul, Afar, Gambella, Oromia and Tigray regions.

The training, aimed to enhance the capacity of journalists, editors, and media practitioners to report ethically and effectively on peace, conflict, and gender issues, emphasized the importance of media in advancing gender equality and peace, aligning with UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and subsequent resolutions that form the foundation of the WPS Agenda. It also introduced participants to the guideline on Gender Sensitive Conflict Reporting for Ethiopian Media, a collaborative effort between UN Women and the Ethiopian Media Authority. The initiative builds on the success of a similar training held in 2023, which received strong recommendations for expansion.

Ms. Birtukan Atinkut, Deputy Editor at Amhara Mass Media Corporation, a participant, noted that the training emphasizes balanced representation, ensuring that both men's and women’s experiences are acknowledged. She said, “Reporting should not be partial to one sex. The reality in Ethiopia’s media is that women’s voices are often underrepresented in the media, but gender roles are not just women’s issues rather they concern everyone.” 

“What stood out for me from this training is its focus on addressing stereotypes and crafting deeper narratives,” said Ms. Birtukan. She emphasized the importance of asking deeper questions that move beyond simple yes/no answers to explore survivors’ experiences before, during, and after conflicts. This approach can uncover new insights and community-driven solutions. “Survivors often have unique perspectives on resolving conflicts,” she added. “Reporting their stories helps audiences understand the complex realities of conflict and encourages them to become part of the solution.”

Ms. Birtukan outlined several challenges faced by journalists in conflict regions, including anticipated backlash from reporting, as some communities feel offended by conflict reports and may seek revenge, which worsens the situation. “The community often asks, ‘Why didn’t you report this devastation? Why would you be a bystander and do nothing?’ However, there are times when we choose not to report, as it is essential to carefully analyze the potential consequences and avoid fueling further disputes.” She explained. 

She concluded that by adopting gender-responsive approaches and addressing the challenges outlined, media professionals can contribute to peacebuilding and ensure their reporting fosters understanding and unity within communities. 

Ms. Metasebiya Worku, Public Relations Director at the Water and Energy Bureau in Gambella egion, another participant of the training, reflected, “After this training, I’ve learned to prepare myself better by understanding the cultural and social dynamics of the conflict-affected areas before speaking with survivors.” She emphasized the importance of crafting questions that allow survivors to share their experiences without causing further harm. “It’s not just about asking questions; it’s about asking the right questions in a way that honors their stories and respects their trauma.”

Ms. Metasebiya highlighted the systemic challenges faced by female journalists. “In my society, women journalists are often overlooked when it comes to covering critical topics like politics and economics. There’s a belief that we lack the assertiveness or expertise to handle such issues, but this training has strengthened my belief that women journalists are more than capable.” She also stressed the need for stronger legal protections for journalists. “To report without fear of retaliation, we need systems in place that safeguard our rights and freedom so that we can amplify marginalized voices effectively.” 

According to Metasebia, the training underscored the importance of portraying women as more than victims of conflict. “Traditionally, women are depicted as passive victims, while men dominate discussions on reintegration and solutions. This training has inspired me to change that narrative. Women are not just survivors; they are leaders, problem-solvers, and agents of peace,” she concludes.

UN Women Ethiopia, with the generous support of the Government of Luxembourg and Germany, is implementing the project “Support to National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security Process in Ethiopia” to strengthen the commitment and capacities of the Government of Ethiopia and rights holders in accelerating progress toward the comprehensive advancement of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda. The project supports the development of a National Action Plan (NAP) in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.