What are the opening hours?

Monday 09:00 - 17:00 Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00 Wednesday 08:30 - 17:30 Thursday 08:30 - 17:30 Friday 08:30 - 17:30

Association for Women's Sanctuary and Development-AWSAD

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Association for Women's Sanctuary and Development-AWSAD

AWSAD (Association for Women's Sanctuary and Development) runs shelters for women and girl survivors of violence in Addis Ababa, Adama, Hawassa and Dessie.

The Association for Women’s Sanctuary and Development (AWSAD) is a holistic rehabilitation and reintegration organization for women and girl survivors of violence. AWSAD provides its clients with a transitional, women’s-only shelter, psychological counselling, legal aid and other services to help clients recuperate from their trauma and be reintegrated in to society. AWSAD offers various skills tr

aining to its residents and supports their initiatives to be economically self-reliant. AWSAD also runs capacity building programs for stakeholders including school boys and girls toward the prevention of violence against women and girls.

08/07/2026

Every new skill learned is a step toward a new beginning.

At the UNFPA-supported Hawassa Safe House, 20 survivors of violence celebrated the completion of their skills training in handcrafts and food preparation. The graduation was more than a ceremony-it was a chance for the women to proudly share what they had achieved. They prepared and served meals they had learned to make and showcased beautiful handmade crochet products created with their own hands.

Behind every item displayed and every meal served is a story of courage, resilience, and hope. Through AWSAD's skills training and income-generating activities, these women are gaining more than practical skills-they are building the confidence and financial independence to make their own choices and create a better future for themselves.

We are incredibly proud of each graduate and inspired by their determination to move forward. Congratulations on this important milestone, and we wish you every success as you continue your journey toward economic independence and a brighter future.

19/06/2026

At AWSAD, education goes beyond the classroom-it is a pathway to healing, empowerment, and a brighter future.

Children of survivors of violence, starting from the age of four, participate in basic literacy education, where they learn reading, writing, drawing, communication skills, basic mathematics, language development, and alphabet recognition. These foundational skills help children build confidence, independence, and opportunities for the future.

Recognizing that education is a right for all, AWSAD has expanded these literacy programs to include survivors themselves who may have missed educational opportunities during their early years. Through literacy and learning, survivors gain knowledge, confidence, and life skills that can help them make informed decisions and reduce their vulnerability to future violence.

At AWSAD, children, youth, and adults who lack fundamental literacy skills are given the opportunity to learn, grow, and unlock their full potential-because education is power, and knowledge is a foundation for lasting change.

UNFPA Ethiopia UN Women Ethiopia

16/06/2026

Association for Women’s Sanctuary and Development (AWSAD) extends our warmest and most heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Rigbe Gebrehawaria on her milestone election to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)!
Securing 131 votes at the UN Headquarters is a magnificent testament to her profound expertise, leadership, and unwavering commitment to human rights. As an organization dedicated to creating safe, inclusive, and empowering spaces, AWSAD wishs Ms. Rigbe a highly successful, impactful, and inspiring tenure as she takes her expertise to the global stage!
https://www.facebook.com/100068255168345/posts/1305858778365949/?app=fbl

19/05/2026

Former Japanese Ambassador to Ethiopia, Her Excellency Ito Takako, visited the AWSAD Addis Ababa Safe House. We are deeply honored by her continued support and commitment to the protection and empowerment of survivors.

Her Excellency was the first to extend a helping hand toward the construction of the safe house, which officially began in November 2023. Her contribution and solidarity remain a meaningful part of AWSAD’s journey in creating a safer and more hopeful space for women and children survivors.

We sincerely thank Her Excellency Ito Takako for standing with AWSAD and believing in our mission.

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11/05/2026

Association for Women’s Sanctuary and Development proudly extends its heartfelt wishes to our safe house mothers, caregivers, guardians, staff members who are mothers, and all women who nurture, protect, guide, and support others with love and compassion across Ethiopia and around the world.

As we celebrate - not only women who gave birth, but also every woman who embraces the role of a mother through care, sacrifice, guidance, and unconditional love. Motherhood is not limited to giving birth - it is reflected in every act of protection, kindness, support, and dedication to others.

Thank you for the hope, strength, healing, and love you bring into the lives of many every single day.

Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers and mother figures everywhere! 💐🌍
UN Women Ethiopia Maria MunirUNFPA EthiopiaTrocaire

08/04/2026

We at the Association for Women’s Sanctuary and Development are deeply saddened by the passing of Ambassador Konjit Sinegiorgis.

Her journey was truly remarkable- not merely as a diplomat, but as a woman who quietly and courageously broke barriers at a time when very few women had a place in such spaces. She showed what was possible through dedication, resilience, and grace, opening doors for so many women who came after her.

For many of us, her life is a reminder that change often begins with one person daring to step forward. Because of her, more women can see themselves in leadership, in diplomacy, and in shaping the future of our country and continent.

We send our heartfelt condolences to her family, loved ones, and all who are mourning this great loss.

May her soul rest in peace..

21/03/2026

🌙✨ Eid Mubarak from AWSAD! ✨🌙

This Eid was truly special at AWSAD, as our safe house residents (women and girl survivors) and our dedicated staff came together to celebrate as one family - with joy, love, and a strong sense of togetherness.

The day was filled with smiles, shared meals, laughter, and heartfelt moments that reminded us all of the power of unity and healing. It was not just a celebration, but a reflection of hope, resilience, and new beginnings.

We were also honored to have our Executive Director ( Maria Munir ) celebrate alongside the women and girls in the safe house, sharing in their joy and standing with them in solidarity and care. Her presence made the day even more meaningful, reinforcing our commitment to walking this journey together.

🌸 Eid Mubarak to our residents, our AWSAD family, and all Muslims celebrating - may this blessed occasion bring peace, dignity, and brighter days ahead for all. 🌸

20/03/2026

🌸 Chembelala Celebration - “Ayyidde Chemelala” 🌸

At the Sidama Hawassa Safe House (AWSAD branch), the vibrant spirit of Chembelala brought safe house residents together in a beautiful celebration of culture, unity, and hope 💛

Through traditional songs, dances, and shared joyful moments, the residents connected with the rich Sidama heritage while welcoming a new season of togetherness and renewal. 🌼

More than a celebration, it was a meaningful opportunity to strengthen bonds, uplift spirits, and create a sense of belonging within the safe House.

Smiles, laughter, and cultural pride filled the day-making it truly unforgettable.

12/03/2026

On International Women’s Day (March 8), the male staff of AWSAD proudly showed their appreciation and solidarity with women by preparing and serving a special meal for our women staff and the courageous survivors of GBV currently staying in the safe house.

From procuring the food items to preparing, cooking, and serving the meals, the entire process was fully handled by the male staff. As part of the celebration, the traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony was also prepared and served by the male staff, which creats a warm and joyful moment for everyone together.

Since it is currently the Ramadan month, some staff members-including our Executive Director-took their meals away to eat later after breaking their fast.
The celebration was further enriched by the participation of colleagues from Trócaire and CST staff who joined the moment of solidarity. Women staff and survivors also shared their feedback and appreciation for the male team who took responsibility for the entire preparation.

It was a meaningful gesture of respect, appreciation, and solidarity, reminding us of the importance of working together to support women and survivors with dignity and care. 💜

11/02/2026

With partnership and financial support of the Ethiopian Humanitarian Fund (EHF), 736 women and girls were supported during 2025/26, in Dessie, Kombolcha, kalu woreda, Debre Birhan, Debre Sina, and Shewarobit, each receiving ETB 40,000 in start-up capital. survivors of GBV and CRSV rebuilt their lives through diverse livelihood Supports including livestock and poultry rearing, injera baking, vegetable and petty trade, kiosks and mini-shops, baltena products (shiro, berbere), tea and coffee shops, hairdressing salons, cosmetics retailing, embroidery, plastic materials trade, charcoal, pulses, sambusa and chips kiosks, shoe trading, and many more.
This support went beyond income generation. survivors received medical care, psychosocial support, Business skill training before they start business, This transforms pain into strength. many who once had nowhere to go, who were left speechless by violence and trauma, are now standing, speaking, working, and leading their and their families futures
while lives were changed, the need remains immense. not all needs have been met, and many more survivors are still waiting for support.
our deepest gratitude to EHF for your unwavering commitment and belief in us, your support has restored dignity, rebuilt hope, and proven that recovery is possible.

🙏 Thank You, EHF, For Standing With Survivors.

Address

Equatorial Guinea Street
Addis Ababa

Opening Hours

Monday	09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:30 - 17:30
Thursday	08:30 - 17:30
Friday	08:30 - 17:30

Website

http://www.awsadethiopia.org/

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