Association for Women's Sanctuary and Development-AWSAD

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.

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

🌙✨ Eid Mubarak from AWSAD! ✨🌙This Eid was truly special at AWSAD, as our safe house residents (women and girl survivors)...
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. 🌸

🌸 Chembelala Celebration - “Ayyidde Chemelala” 🌸At the Sidama Hawassa Safe House (AWSAD branch), the vibrant spirit of C...
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.

On International Women’s Day (March 8), the male staff of AWSAD proudly showed their appreciation and solidarity with wo...
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. 💜

With partnership and financial support of the Ethiopian Humanitarian Fund (EHF), 736 women and girls were supported duri...
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.

With financial support from EHF/OCHA, a three-day capacity building training (Jan 25–27, Addis Ababa) brought together A...
03/02/2026

With financial support from EHF/OCHA, a three-day capacity building training (Jan 25–27, Addis Ababa) brought together AWSAD and Marie Stopes International Ethiopia (MIS) staff.
The training strengthened skills, promoted experience sharing, and laid the foundation for future collaboration in the fight against GBV.
🤝 Grateful to EHF/OCHA for the support.

19/01/2026

Happy Epiphany to all who celebrate this sacred occasion.
AWSAD wish to extend our warmest greetings and best wishes. May the celebration of Epiphany bring peace, spiritual renewal, and hope within our communities.

✨ Happy Epiphany ✨

After reaching 300 internally displaced people in Debre Birhan, AWSAD has extended in-kind humanitarian assistance to 10...
12/01/2026

After reaching 300 internally displaced people in Debre Birhan, AWSAD has extended in-kind humanitarian assistance to 100 vulnerable IDPs at Degan IDP Camp in Kalu Woreda, South Wollo, with support from the Ethiopian Humanitarian Fund (EHF).

Degan IDP Camp is one of many sites that remain out of the spotlight and insufficiently supported, even as families continue to struggle for basic survival. The needs of women, children, elders, and persons with disabilities here are urgent and ongoing.

This assistance offers temporary relief- but the camp remains in critical need.
We appreciate EHF’s continued solidarity and call on humanitarian partners to remember and respond to forgotten IDP camps, where needs remain high and hope depends on sustained support.

Marry Christmas 🎄✨ We extend our heartfelt wishes to our family, partners, stakeholders, donors, and all supporting enti...
06/01/2026

Marry Christmas 🎄✨

We extend our heartfelt wishes to our family, partners, stakeholders, donors, and all supporting entities. This special greeting is shared through a Christmas card lovingly prepared by our Safe House children, spreading hope, joy, and gratitude during GENA.

With financial support from the Ethiopian Humanitarian Fund (EHF), AWSAD reached 300 internally displaced people in Debr...
05/01/2026

With financial support from the Ethiopian Humanitarian Fund (EHF), AWSAD reached 300 internally displaced people in Debre Birhan, including women, children, elders, and persons with disabilities,

150 from China IDP Camp
50 from Bakelo IDP Camp
100 from Weyineshet IDP Camp

The support included nutritious food for children, bringing temporary relief and dignity to families facing unimaginable hardship.

But let us be honest: this is not enough.
The needs in IDP camps remain overwhelming. While this support means everything to those who received it, we are still far behind what people truly need to survive and rebuild their lives.

We thank the Ethiopian Humanitarian Fund for its continued commitment and collaboration with implementing partners.
At the same time, we call on all stakeholders, donors, and humanitarian actors:
IDPs still need support, Our focus, solidarity, and commitment must continue.

“If something makes me feel bad or uncomfortable, I learned I should speak up,” shared one young girl after AWSAD’s stud...
30/05/2025

“If something makes me feel bad or uncomfortable, I learned I should speak up,” shared one young girl after AWSAD’s student training at Yelbe Fanaa Primary School.

In a joint effort to foster safer and more supportive school environments, AWSAD trained 40 students and 40 teachers on gender-based violence (GBV), reproductive health, and positive classroom practices.

The training, held from May 28–29, used child-friendly and engaging sessions to help students explore essential topics like respect, personal boundaries, and where to turn for help. It created a safe space for young people to ask questions, reflect, and better understand their rights.

Simultaneously, teachers received practical tools to manage classrooms positively and identify early signs of GBV. As key figures in students' lives, these educators play a powerful role in shaping school culture—and AWSAD is working to equip them with empathy and awareness.

By empowering children and strengthening the capacity of teachers, this initiative reflects AWSAD’s broader commitment to prevent violence through education and build a safer future for all.

Empowering Change through Education From May 20–21, we trained 40 teachers at Beska School on Gender-Based Violence (G...
23/05/2025

Empowering Change through Education

From May 20–21, we trained 40 teachers at Beska School on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention.

Teachers are more than educators, they shape safe and supportive spaces for students. By equipping them with tools to recognize and prevent GBV, we're Creating schools where every child, especially girls—feels valued and protected.

Together, let's build safer learning environments for all.

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

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Association for Women's Sanctuary and Development-AWSAD posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Association for Women's Sanctuary and Development-AWSAD:

Shortcuts

Share

Category