A Ray of Hope: Picking Up the Pieces in North Gondar

By: Mihireteab Hadera

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, GSA and FON have joined forces to focus on three crucial pillars of support: protection, rehabilitation, and reintegration. This partnership is not only addressing immediate needs but also laying the foundation for lasting resilience and empowerment.

At the core of this initiative is the commitment to provide survivors with safety, healing, and the tools to rebuild their lives. For 70 women and girls who have experienced GBV, this program offers more than just assistance—it provides a lifeline. Mental health and psychosocial support services (MHPSS) help survivors process trauma, while life skills and business training empower them to take control of their futures. The program also works to reintegrate survivors into their communities, fostering a sense of belonging and restoring dignity. These efforts are supported by targeted interventions that address the broader social and economic challenges survivors face, ensuring they can rebuild their lives on a solid foundation.

To enhance the program’s effectiveness, GSA and FON are also providing frontline care providers with the necessary skills and expertise to successfully help survivors. GSA plans to provide specialized training to 61 individuals, including social workers, healthcare providers, and community leaders, to better serve GBV survivors. This investment in local expertise guarantees that survivors’ support networks are long-term and deeply anchored in their communities.

The ripple effects of this initiative extend far beyond its direct beneficiaries. Families and communities indirectly benefit as survivors regain their strength and reintegrate into society. By addressing the root causes of GBV and advocating for change, the program is fostering a culture of awareness and prevention that can help break the cycle of violence. Collaboration lies at the heart of this success. By partnering with local stakeholders and leveraging networks, GSA and FON have created a model that combines immediate relief with long-term empowerment. Advocacy efforts amplify the voices of survivors and challenge the societal norms that perpetuate GBV, paving the way for a more equitable and just future.

In a region marked by turmoil, this initiative is a beacon of hope. It is not merely about survival; it is about helping survivors reclaim their lives, rebuild their confidence, and rediscover their potential. The stories emerging from North Gondar are testaments to resilience and the power of collective action. For the women and girls who have found strength through this program, the future no longer feels defined by their past. For the communities that have witnessed the transformative power of support and solidarity, the possibility of a brighter tomorrow feels within reach.

Through their combined efforts, GSA and FON are proving that even in the face of conflict, rebuilding is possible, healing is attainable, and hope is unyielding.

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Feminist Opportunities Now (FON) Project

FON contributes to the eradication of gender-based violence worldwide through flexible funding. The Feminist Opportunities Now (FON) project aims to strengthen feminist movements by providing grants, particularly to small, unregistered organizations. With a budget of 7 million euros, FON also offers long-term mentoring and tailored training. Additionally, the project includes an action-research component to ensure the expansion and sustainability of these approaches.

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Mihireteab Hadera is the Programs and Communication Officer for Good Samaritan Association, one of FON’s grantee partners in Ethiopia.