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Strengthening the capacity for peace building and conflict prevention of Tigray and Afar CSOs and women and youth associations in three districts of the border area between Tigray and Afar regional states.

This project supports civil society organisations (CSOs), women's associations and youth associations in conflict-affected areas of Tigray and Afar. It helps them become stronger and more effective partners for peacebuilding and good governance.

The project strengthens their organisational and practical skills, helps them build networks and partnerships, and supports regular dialogue with communities and public authorities. It also promotes reconciliation, stronger local accountability, and a greater role for women and young people in public life.

Monitoring visit in Tigray (Edagahamus)
© European Union

Objective

The project responds to the effects of the recent armed conflict in northern Ethiopia, which severely affected Tigray, Afar and Amhara through violence, displacement and damage to infrastructure and basic services. The conflict also weakened formal and traditional institutions that help prevent and resolve disputes.

Many civil society organisations in conflict-affected areas have limited opportunities to work together or engage regularly with government. The project therefore helps them strengthen their organisations, partnerships, advocacy and dialogue so they can contribute more effectively to peacebuilding, reconciliation, conflict prevention and accountable governance.

Project Activities

The project has two main areas of activity. Both aim to help local CSOs and women's and youth associations play a stronger role in peacebuilding and good governance in Tigray and Afar.

1. Stronger organisations and peacebuilding capacity

• Establish or strengthen peacebuilding units in four CSOs, including staff, equipment and basic operating costs.

• Improve internal systems, including financial, human resources and asset management.

• Support four CSOs and six district-level women's and youth associations to develop inclusive peacebuilding strategies, with a strong focus on women and young people

Provide practical training and tools for inclusive and gender-responsive peacebuilding, including conflict analysis with women and young people.

• Provide ongoing technical support and community education so organisations can apply what they learn.

2. Stronger advocacy, networks and sustainability

• Build communication and advocacy skills among CSO, women's association and youth association staff.

• Help organisations develop strategies for engaging government and other key partners.

• Strengthen participation in regional civil society networks and alliances in Tigray and Afar.

• Support stronger project proposals and reports, links with potential donors and resource mobilisation.

• Promote networking and joint work among CSOs, including partnerships for research on inclusive peacebuilding.

Results

Targeted CSOs and district-level women's and youth associations are better able to build partnerships and hold effective dialogue with each other and with government authorities at different levels.