Ethiopia: Good Samaritan Association

By: Etaferahu Semere

Project Title: Increase Access to Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Reintegration Services for Survivors of GBV Among Internally Displaced People in Conflict-Affected Areas of Amhara Region

 

Founded in 1996, the Good Samaritan Association (GSA) is a local non-governmental organization in Ethiopia committed to empowering women and marginalized communities. GSA’s mission is to build a society where women and vulnerable groups actively contribute to achieving a dignified standard of living. Their work focuses on providing protection, healthcare, education, economic support, and empowerment for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), human trafficking, and harmful traditional practices.

Responding to Conflict and Violence

Ethiopia’s northern conflict has severely impacted millions, displacing families and increasing violence against women and children. In response to the humanitarian crisis, GSA has launched a project funded by Feminist Opportunities Now (FON) to address the immediate needs of survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) in the conflict-affected Northern Amhara Region. The goal of the project is to offer rehabilitation, reintegration, and economic empowerment to women and girls affected by violence.

Key Project Outcomes

The GSA-FON project has two primary objectives:

– Providing Essential Services: Women and girls affected by violence are receiving high-quality essential services, including shelter, healthcare, and psychosocial support, to help mitigate the long-term impact of violence.

– Empowering Frontline Workers: Service providers and stakeholders in conflict-affected areas are being trained and supported to better serve survivors, ensuring comprehensive and sensitive care.

Project Activities and Achievements

Since its start in January 2024, the project has reached 25 survivors, providing them with comprehensive rehabilitation services. The project is on track to assist 70 women and girls by its conclusion. Key activities include:

– Comprehensive shelter-based rehabilitation and reintegration services: Survivors receive medical treatment, psychosocial support, and basic provisions like food, clothing, and dignity kits.

– Restoration of physical and mental health: Twelve survivors have been treated for various health issues, and two HIV-positive survivors have begun ART treatment.

– Collaboration with Gondar University: GSA signed an MoU to provide mental health and psychosocial support to vulnerable survivors in IDP camps and surrounding communities.

– Economic empowerment through small business support: Survivors are trained in life skills and small business management. In-kind financial support of ETB 10,000 is provided per survivor to start their own businesses.

 

– Income-generating activities (IGAs): So far, 18 survivors have engaged in various IGAs, boosting their independence and livelihood.

– Capacity building for service providers: GSA has conducted refresher training on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) and MHPSS for 61 sector experts and frontline workers.

– Progress toward justice: Though challenges remain, some legal action has been taken, with ongoing trials and arrest warrants issued against perpetrators.

The Broader Challenge for Women in Ethiopia

The vulnerabilities faced by women and girls in Ethiopia are worsening due to the overlapping effects of internal conflict, climate change, and COVID-19. These crises increase the risk of displacement, gender-based violence, and exploitation. Many women, girls, and children are turning to harmful coping mechanisms like illegal migration, commercial sex work, or sex for survival due to the lack of financial opportunities and basic services.

GSA continues to seek funds from partner organizations to expand its work. However, long-term, comprehensive support is essential. This includes mental health services, economic empowerment, and legal assistance to ensure that survivors of GBV can rebuild their lives and achieve lasting independence.

 

FON’s ongoing commitment to these organizations underscores its dedication to eradicating gender-based violence through strong, flexible and strategic feminist civil society support.