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ARISE: Integrated GBV response and social reintegration in South Wollo, Ethiopia

The GBV project aims to strengthen medical, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) for gender-based violence (GBV) survivors and conflict-affected communities in South Wollo, Amhara.

This intervention is important in northern Ethiopia’s post-conflict context, where access to comprehensive GBV services remains limited, community support for GBV prevention, response and survivor reintegration is weak, and loss of livelihoods has deepened economic vulnerability.

Through this project, the EU contributes to:

• Enhancing access to quality medical, mental health and psychosocial support for GBV survivors and other vulnerable groups affected by conflict.

• Strengthening community support networks to build resilience, support reintegration of GBV survivors and challenge harmful social norms.

• Supporting economic opportunities for GBV survivors and vulnerable groups, particularly through Village Economic and Social Associations (VESA) or self-help groups, business-skills training, vocational opportunities and seed funding.

The project aligns with Ethiopia’s national strategy on violence against women and children and complements the work of government, UN agencies and international NGOs in South Wollo. It strengthens coordination with Anti-Harmful Traditional Practices (HTP) Committees and relevant regional, zonal and woreda authorities, contributing to a more coordinated, sustainable and accessible GBV response system.

 

CARE implements the project in partnership with the Network of Ethiopian Women’s Associations (NEWA), in collaboration with the Amhara Regional Health Bureau, the Women and Social Affairs Bureau, and their corresponding offices at zonal and woreda levels.
©CARE/2026/Dessie Bi-annual review meeting in Dessie in August 2026
© European Union

Objectives

Northern Ethiopia, including South Wollo Zone in Amhara Region, remains fragile after prolonged conflict. Widespread violence, displacement and destruction of infrastructure have left millions of people, especially women, girls and vulnerable groups, in urgent need of support.

GBV is prevalent, yet survivors face major barriers to services, including damaged facilities, limited staff capacity, stigma and lack of awareness of available support.

Many survivors experience long-term physical, mental and psychosocial consequences. Social norms, community stigma and fear of reprisals can prevent reporting and reintegration, while economic hardship can further isolate survivors and increase dependence on limited support.

The project addresses these interconnected problems by improving the availability, quality and accessibility of medical, MHPSS and multi-sectoral GBV services; transforming community attitudes and structures to support survivor reintegration; and promoting economic opportunities. It addresses both immediate needs and structural barriers to long-term recovery, safety and social inclusion.

Overall objective: Contribute to stronger community resilience and reintegration of GBV survivors and other conflict-affected people in South Wollo, Amhara, by ensuring access to quality medical, mental health and psychosocial support and multi-sectoral GBV response services.

Specific objective: Improve access to medical, MHPSS and multi-sectoral GBV support services through revitalised service provision and coordination, transformed community structures and economic empowerment of survivors.

Project activities

Strengthen the capacities of GBV response service providers for quality, survivor-centred service provision.

• Facilitate MHPSS training using the Professional Intervention Program for Adversity for health professionals.

• Improve access to legal services and justice for GBV survivors.

• Strengthen multi-sectoral coordination under the Anti-Harmful Traditional Practices Committee.

• Mobilise women, men, girls, boys and community and religious leaders to challenge harmful social norms.

• Link survivors to psychosocial stabilisation services and appropriate referral mechanisms.

• Form Village Economic and Social Association (VESA) groups to provide savings, lending and peer-support opportunities.

• Provide individual livelihood support for GBV survivors, including business-skills training, coaching, vocational training and seed funding.

  • Conduct market assessments to ensure that livelihood options are viable.

Expected results

  • Strengthened availability and quality of GBV response services addressing critical gaps in medical care, mental health and psycho social support (MHPSS) and multi-sectoral GBV interventions.

  • Community support networks and structures strengthened to respond to the needs of GBV survivors and conflict-affected vulnerable groups.

• Economic empowerment programmes for GBV survivors and conflict-affected women established.