Tinsae Humanitarian Charity Organization, with support from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), has successfully concluded a transformative peacebuilding project aimed at empowering young women in post-conflict Tigray, Ethiopia. The project, titled "Empowering Young Women in Tigray as Effective Peace Builders", focused on equipping young women with the skills and platforms necessary to lead community-based peace and reconciliation efforts in a region scarred by war and political division.
A Multi-Zonal, Multi-Layered Initiative
The initiative was implemented across three key areas of Abiy-Adi, Maichew, and Adigrat covering Tigray’s Central, Southern, and Eastern zones. Through tailored trainings, mentorship, public dialogues, and awareness campaigns, the project reached 203 direct beneficiaries, including over 140 women and girls.
Key activities included:
• Three 12-day youth peacebuilding training programs
• Internship and peer-based mentorship components
• Workshops in local high schools
• Community dialogue forums bringing together multiple generations
• Five youth-led initiatives
• An online awareness campaign that reached over 10,000 people
Overcoming Challenges with Innovation and Adaptability
Despite the project’s success, it was not without hurdles. Political sensitivities made operations in Shire-Endaslasie unfeasible, prompting the team to shift activities to the more receptive Adigrat. Internship placements also posed challenges due to limited support from local NGOs. In response, the organization innovatively created a Telegram group to foster peer mentorship, knowledge sharing, and community-building among trainees.
Lasting Impact on Peace and Gender Equality
The project had a measurable impact on promoting gender equality and local peacebuilding. Women participants not only gained knowledge and leadership skills but also led training workshops within their communities. Local schools and community groups have since begun integrating peace education into their regular programming.
The inclusion of men and boys in training sessions fostered dialogue about traditional gender roles, encouraging broader cultural shifts toward equality. A notable highlight was the 40% increase in volunteer sign-ups for local peace initiatives following the awareness campaign.
Strategic Partnerships and Recognition
The project was implemented in collaboration with the Tigray Bureau of Women Affairs, Adigrat University, Raya University, and the Mekelle University Peace and Security Center. Canada's support was publicly acknowledged across social media platforms and at in-person events, strengthening Canada’s image as a committed partner in peace and development.
Lessons and the Road Ahead
The experience underlines the importance of:
• Political and risk assessment in conflict zones
• Strong, accountable partnerships
• Budgetary flexibility to manage economic volatility
• Creative, community-led solutions when formal systems are lacking
Tinsae plans to build on this momentum in future initiatives by strengthening organizational linkages for women and scaling mentorship support.
To learn more and follow our ongoing peacebuilding efforts, visit:
• Tinsae on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/tinsaetigray100
• Tinsae on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/tinsae-humanitarian-charity-organization-thco/