On December 30th, 2023, the AYA Hotel in Addis Ababa buzzed with energy as 73 women came together for a crucial workshop: Women’s Mental Health, Resilience and Trauma Healing. Defyhatenow Ethiopia, partnering with the SheLeads Initiative, created a safe space for women to discuss the toll of recent struggles, learn coping strategies, and build resilience.

A Shared Burden:

Ethiopia’s complex history has deeply impacted women, leaving many facing post-war trauma, gender-based violence, and societal pressures. Recognizing this need, the workshop aimed to be a first step towards creating a wider conversation about mental health support, especially in vulnerable communities.

Building Knowledge and Resilience:

The day was packed with impactful sessions:

• Mental Health Awareness & Coping Strategies: Led by Yodit Molla, this session helped participants understand mental health concepts, explore the specific impact of trauma on women, and learn practical coping mechanisms.
• Building Self-Esteem, Resilience & Empowerment: Hewan Birhanu guided participants in identifying and utilizing their inner resources, fostering self-worth, and developing resilience to overcome challenges.
• Advocacy & Awareness: This empowering session equipped participants with tools to advocate for mental health and gender equality within their communities and create awareness campaigns to challenge stigma and build support networks.

More Than Just a Workshop:

Beyond knowledge, the workshop fostered a sense of community. Open discussions, interactive activities, and games created a safe space for women to share their experiences, learn from each other’s strength, and connect on a deeper level.

Impactful Outcomes:

The workshop exceeded expectations! Not only did 73 women actively participate, but they left feeling empowered with tools to manage mental health challenges and advocate for positive change. Notably, a Telegram group with all participants was created to offer continuous support, follow-up, and a safe space for ongoing interaction.

Join the Movement:

This workshop is just the beginning. By sharing this story and encouraging open conversations about mental health and support, we can empower women throughout Ethiopia to build resilience, advocate for change, and create a brighter future for all.

#MentalHealthMatters #WomenEmpowerment #DefyHateNowEthiopia #SheLeadsInitiative