Enhancing Sexual and Reproductive Rights for Women and Adolescents (ESWA)
Project Overview
Duration: October 2019 - January 2025
Geographical Coverage: Amhara and Oromia Regions, Ethiopia
Funding Partners: Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and Unifor
Total Project Budget: $4,239,718 CAD
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): 1 (No Poverty); 3 (Good Health and Well-Being); 4 (Quality Education); 5 (Gender Equality); 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
Ultimate Goal & Vision
The ESWA project aimed to improve the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of women and adolescent girls in Ethiopia by increasing access to gender-responsive, adolescent-friendly SRH services and education. The project focused on reducing sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), including early and forced marriage, while promoting gender equality and empowering communities.
Why It Matters
Women and adolescent girls in Ethiopia, particularly in Amhara and Oromia, face significant barriers to accessing SRH services due to cultural stigma, gender norms, and conflict-related violence. High rates of early and forced marriage, limited contraceptive use, and increasing cases of SGBV highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions. The ongoing civil unrest further exacerbated the demand for SRH services, particularly in conflict-affected areas.
Impact & Key Achievements
01
Directly Reached Over 700,000 Women and Girls
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Women and adolescentes aged 15-49 in the targeted regions benefitted from essential SRH services and education.
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Services included family planning and contraception, antenatal and postnatal care, comprehensive sexuality education for adolescents, STI counseling, testing, and treatment, as well as clinical and psychological support for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). The project also established safe spaces in health centers, launched campaigns against child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM), and promoted menstrual health and hygiene (MHM) initiatives, including menstrual product distribution.
02
Improved Healthcare Services
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CPAR supported 56 health centers, 11 hospitals, and 280 health posts with equipment, training, and improved referral systems.
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Over 1,200 healthcare workers were trained in gender-responsive SRH care.
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As a result, the contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) among young men and women rose from 27.8% to 77.3% in Amhara and from 31% to 61.7% in Oromia, exceeding project targets.
03
Reduction in Early and Forced Marriage and Harmful Practices
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The percentage of girls giving birth before the age of 18 declined from 24% to 16% in Oromia and from 23% to 22.2% in Amhara.
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Community opposition to early marriage rose from 59.8% to 99.6% in Oromia and from 56% to 86.6% in Amhara.
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There was also a significant shift in attitudes towards FGM and GBV, with opposition increasing from 50% to 90% in project communities.
04
Gender Clubs, Youth-Friendly Spaces, Youth Advisory Committees
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A total of 138 schools established safe spaces for adolescent girls, providing a supportive environment for discussing SRH topics, accessing menstrual hygiene products, and receiving peer support.
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Private consultation spaces for adolescents were introduced in health clinics to ensure confidential and youth-friendly SRH services.
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Over 30 youth advisory committees were formed to advocate for improved SRH policies and services tailored to youth needs.
05
Community Engagement and Male Involvement
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Awareness campaigns reached more than 6 million people through radio, social media, and in-person workshops.
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Recognizing the importance of male involvement in gender equality, over 5,000 men from local communities were engaged and trained as advocates for SRHR and GBV prevention.
06
SRH Training Manual Adopted Nationwide
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In collaboration with Ethiopia's Ministry of Health, CPAR developed SRH training manuals that have now been adopted for nationwide use. These manuals serve as a key resource for healthcare providers, ensuring the continued delivery of comprehensive and gender-sensitive SRH services.
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CPAR was also honoured with a national Ethiopian award for its outstanding contributions to the fight against GBV.
Stories of Change
A Father Becomes a Gender Equality Advocate
A father in Gondar initially resisted his daughter’s participation in SRH programs but changed his perspective after attending CPAR’s community awareness sessions.
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“I used to believe girls should marry early, but now I understand how education changes their future. I will support my daughter’s education no matter what.” – Father, Gondar
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This shift in mindset has had a ripple effect in the community, encouraging other parents to delay early marriages.
Transforming Gender Norms in Schools
CPAR’s gender clubs provided menstrual hygiene products and education, reducing stigma and increasing school attendance.
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“The gender club helped me understand that I don’t have to marry young and that I have the right to continue my education.” – Student, North Shoa
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Another student shared how CPAR’s training helped her manage peer pressure and stay in school:
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“I now know how to say no to things I don’t want to do. Before, I was scared, but now I feel strong.”
Sustainability & Next Steps
The impact of the ESWA project extends far beyond its completion. Through strengthened health systems, empowered communities, and trained professionals, the progress made in sexual and reproductive health will continue to benefit women and adolescents in Ethiopia.
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SRH Services Integrated into National Health Strategies – The tools, training, and resources developed under ESWA are now part of Ethiopia’s broader health initiatives, ensuring long-term sustainability.
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Peer Educators and Gender Clubs Remain Active – The trained youth leaders and educators will continue advocating for SRH rights, gender equality, and GBV prevention in their schools and communities.
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Health Workers Continue to Deliver Gender-Responsive Care – Over 1,200 healthcare providers have been equipped with the knowledge and resources to offer life-saving SRH services, benefiting future generations.
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Community-Driven Change Persists – Local leaders, religious figures, and families have embraced key gender equality principles, leading to a lasting shift in cultural attitudes toward reproductive health and rights.
Join Us in Creating Lasting Impact
The success of ESWA is just the beginning. CPAR continues to work on life-changing projects in health, food security, climate resilience, and gender equality across Ethiopia, Malawi, and Tanzania. Your support ensures that we can reach more communities, train more healthcare workers, and provide life-saving services where they are needed most.
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Donate today and help us continue building a future where everyone has access to essential healthcare and opportunities to thrive.
