In a significant move to support female survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in Ethiopia, the Irish Government has donated €100,000 to a safe house operated by Maria Munir, a retired Ethiopian judge, and the Association for Women’s Sanctuary and Development (AWSAD). This contribution underscores Ireland’s commitment to addressing gender-based violence and supporting vulnerable women and children in the region.
Micheál Martin’s Visit to Ethiopia
During the final leg of his four-day trip to the Horn of Africa, Tánaiste Micheál Martin visited AWSAD’s facilities. He learned firsthand about the critical work being done by Ms. Munir and her team. AWSAD runs the first and only safe house in Ethiopia, providing refuge and support to thousands of women and young girls who have survived horrendous acts of violence.
Ms. Munir shared harrowing stories with the Tánaiste’s delegation, highlighting the extent of the issue. Victims range from as young as two years old to elderly women in their seventies, many of whom have been attacked by family members. One elderly woman was gang-raped on her way to church, a stark reminder that gender-based violence knows no age limit. Another heartbreaking story involved a young girl who was attacked and had her throat cut for refusing a marriage proposal while walking to school. These stories underscore the brutal reality many women face daily.
Maria Munir’s decision to establish the safe house stemmed from her frustration with the Ethiopian justice system. As a judge, she witnessed numerous cases fall apart due to lack of evidence, often because the victims had no stable place to stay and could not be found when needed by the police. By providing a secure environment, AWSAD ensures that survivors can participate in legal processes, facilitating justice and accountability for perpetrators.
While at AWSAD, survivors receive much more than just a safe place to stay. The facility offers comprehensive support, including medical treatment, counseling, and skills training. These services aim to help women heal and rebuild their lives, ultimately enabling them to reintegrate into society. The presence of young children in the facility also means that AWSAD’s support extends to the next generation, helping break the cycle of violence.
In addition to the €100,000 donation, Ireland has shown continuous support for AWSAD’s mission. Minister of State Sean Fleming announced a further €60,000 to construct a counseling room, providing a dedicated space for mental health support. Moreover, €45,000 was raised during a St. Patrick’s Day Ball in Addis Ababa, and outgoing Ambassador Nicola Brennan contributed €25,000 for building a protective wall around the safe house. These contributions are vital in ensuring the safe house’s continued operation and expansion, enabling it to assist even more survivors.
Ireland’s support for AWSAD highlights the importance of international cooperation in tackling gender-based violence. The safe house in Ethiopia serves as a beacon of hope for many women and girls, providing them with the resources and support they need to recover and seek justice. The Irish Government’s donation is a testament to its commitment to human rights and gender equality, inspiring further action and support for vulnerable populations worldwide.
#EndGenderBasedViolence #SupportSurvivors #IrishAid #AWSAD #SafeHouse #WomenEmpowerment #Ethiopia #HumanRights #GenderEquality #MichealMartin #GlobalSolidarity #BreakTheSilence #HopeForSurvivors #JusticeForWomen #InternationalSupport
Leave a Reply