by Sofia Silei
In Ethiopia, where 80% of the population lives in rural areas, women contribute significantly to agricultural labour, yet their efforts often go unrecognized. They face severe challenges, including widespread gender-based violence, with one in three women experiencing abuse.
Additionally, 65% of women have undergone female genital mutilation, and educational opportunities are limited, with only half of the girls who enrol in primary school advancing to grade five. The Siiqqee Women’s Development Association (SWDA), founded in 1997, works to address these inequalities by empowering women and girls through various programs.
SWDA was established by a dedicated Ethiopian woman who believed in the potential of poor women to take control of their lives when empowered. The organization, initially registered with the Ministry of Justice, was re-registered in 2009 as an Ethiopian Resident Charity.
SWDA’s mission is to collaborate with vulnerable women, girls, and children to promote their rights, address poverty, and foster sustainable development in their communities. The organization’s work is guided by core values such as respect, equity, accountability, partnership, integrity, and teamwork.
Over the years, SWDA has implemented programs that have profoundly impacted the lives of women and girls. A major focus is socio-economic empowerment, where SWDA supports 1,500 marginalized women in various districts through self-help groups. These groups aim to address issues like inequality, illiteracy, and economic dependency, providing women with the tools to improve their lives.
Another key area is education. In rural Ethiopia, many girls face challenges in accessing education. To combat this, SWDA has launched projects in Sebeta and Boqoji Districts to improve education quality, reduce dropout rates, and enhance girls’ self-esteem and life skills. These projects create a supportive learning environment, offering educational materials and encouraging greater participation in extracurricular activities.
SWDA also addresses health risks faced by women and girls, who are particularly vulnerable due to their gender identity and social status. The organization has implemented health education and psychosocial support programs, reaching over 5,000 community members with sexual and reproductive health education. These efforts aim to protect women from health risks and promote resilience in their communities.
Environmental sustainability is another critical concern for SWDA. Recognizing the significant impact of environmental conditions on women’s lives, the organization has integrated environmental interventions into its projects. With support from the Norwegian organization Partnership for Change, SWDA has strengthened the Daleti Ecological Centre, focusing on infrastructure development, income generation through tree planting, beekeeping, and water conservation. These initiatives contribute to environmental sustainability while providing economic opportunities for women.
SWDA’s success is underpinned by its strong organizational structure, which ensures effective governance and management. The organization is overseen by a General Assembly that nominates a Board of Directors, predominantly women, responsible for guiding the organization’s activities. The secretariat manages project implementation and daily operations, supported by internal teams dedicated to program management, finance, monitoring, evaluation, and human resources.
As SWDA continues its work, it remains committed to sharing success stories and best practices from its projects. By doing so, the organization hopes to inspire further change and attract support to expand its impact. SWDA’s dedication to empowering women and girls, promoting sustainable development, and addressing deep-rooted inequalities makes it a vital force for positive change in Ethiopia.
To learn more, read our Ethiopia conflict factsheet
On the cover photo, Women preparing for a traditional Ethiopian wedding, with beadwork and traditional clothing ©fivepointsix/Shutterstock.com
