Skills training is one of the major programs implemented by AWSAD. They are designed based on recommendations from market assessments commissioned by AWSAD. In order to support survivors to gain skills through which they can earn income, skill courses in Hair Dressing, Food Preparation, Sewing and Embroidery, Leather, Bamboo, Jute Weaving, Baby Sitting and Housekeeping are given to residents and other vulnerable women from the surrounding community. The centers are established on location for the purpose of providing secure access to a training center.

In the past, AWSAD has sponsored training for residents at technical and vocational schools for
courses in carpet making and construction work for its residents and women from the community. The courses are typically for 3-6 months and residents are encouraged to enroll by interest.

Building the capacities of women within communities and workplaces to provide trainings would support all low-income while also meeting the needs of domestic violence survivors. The skills training serve multiple purposes. Firstly, they equip the women and girls with skills they can capitalize on to economically empower themselves. Secondly, the trainings are considered a good way for residents to occupy themselves, find pleasure and develop self-confidence through mastering a skill. After completing the skills training, survivors are furnished with seed money with which to start businesses, often in groups or they are supported to find employment.

Life skills training and empowerment sessions also add value for survivors to form a resilient
character. AWSAD provides startup capital for survivors who are organized in IGAs. For those
who have got employment, the safe house provides two months rental payment, and few start up items including food items. AWSAD has an in-shelter day care for survivors’ children whose mothers are on skill training at the Addis Ababa safe house and separate day care for ex -residents at Adama.

AWSAD has been working with stakeholders including private sectors and employment networks to ensure that survivors of gender based violence are socially and economically empowered.

Decreasing violence against women/ girls requires a community based, multi-pronged approach, and sustained engagement with multiple stakeholders. Working with these stakeholders AWSAD has been successful in providing employment opportunities to train and qualified survivor of gender based violence at the safe house.

Partnership Accomplishment

AWSAD developed network with potential partnerships for employment opportunity and improved the quantity and quality of the partnership every year. E.g. Kombolcha Textile Factory: – provides job opportunity and safe place for survivors to stay. Many other partners are also providing training and job opportunities for the survivors.

The Impact of Economic Empowerment

• Women’s economic empowerment can decrease the risk of violence.
• Women’s economic empowerment sets a direct path towards gender equality.
• Women and girls’ increased economic activity and empowerment helps to reduce
  VAWG and protect women/girls.
• Women’s economic empowerment is a prerequisite for sustainable development,
  growth and achievement.
• Economic empowerment increases women’s access to economic resources and
  opportunities.