Consultancy to Develop IEC Material/booklet on International, Continental, and National Legal Frameworks on the Political Rights of Women and Persons with Disabilities

Background

The Network of Ethiopian Women’s Associations (NEWA) is a pioneering national civil society network committed to advancing the political, economic, social, and legal rights of Ethiopian women and girls. With 50 member organizations across the country, NEWA promotes gender equality and women’s empowerment through advocacy, research, capacity building, and policy monitoring.

NEWA has played a leading role in strengthening women’s political participation by organizing trainings for women candidates and political leaders, launching civic education initiatives, and advocating for legal reforms and media engagement to shift public attitudes.

Currently, NEWA is implementing the project “Inclusive Women’s Political Participation in Ethiopia”, funded by Demo Finland, in Oromia, Benishangul Gumuz, and Addis Ababa. The project aims to enhance diversity in political participation, with a focus on women and persons with disabilities. As part of this initiative, NEWA seeks to develop a bilingual IEC booklet (English and Amharic) that outlines key legal frameworks supporting political rights of women and persons with disabilities.

Objectives of the Assignment

The consultant will develop a comprehensive IEC booklet tailored to the Ethiopian context that:

• Raises awareness of legal frameworks protecting the political rights of women and persons with disabilities.
• Highlights key rights and obligations at international, continental, and national levels.
• Identifies implementation challenges and proposes actionable solutions.
• Enhance understanding of legal frameworks’ impact on women’s political participation.
• Support advocacy efforts with a user-friendly IEC material/booklet for policymakers, political parties, women leaders and the general public.

Scope of Work

The consultant will:

• Review existing literature, legal instruments, and relevant studies related to women and persons with disabilities political rights.
• Maintain clarity, consistency, and gender-sensitive language.
• Develop culturally appropriate, gender-sensitive, and accessible IEC materials-booklet.
• Ensure content is relevant to women politicians, persons with disabilities, political party leaders and members, and the general public.
• Collaborate with stakeholders (e.g., CSOs, Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), political parties) to gather input and feedback.
• Include definitions, summaries of legal instruments, and practical guidance.
• Use culturally appropriate and inclusive terminology tailored to Ethiopian audiences.

Methodology

The consultant is expected to:

• Review documents related to women and persons with disabilities political rights.
• Apply a participatory and inclusive approach to content development.
• Incorporate NEWA’s feedback throughout the drafting process.

Deliverables

• Inception report outlining proposed content and structure.
• Final IEC booklet in English and Amharic (digital and print-ready formats).
• Summary report detailing methodology, stakeholder engagement, and dissemination recommendations.

Duration

• The assignment will be completed within three weeks from the date of contract signing.

Qualifications and Experience

Education:

• Master’s degree and above in law, political science communication, gender studies, , sociology, or social science related fields.

Experience:

• Proven experience in developing IEC materials on gender and political rights.
• Familiarity with Ethiopia’s political landscape and inclusion challenges.
• Experience engaging diverse stakeholders and integrating feedback.

Skills:

• Excellent writing and editing skills in Amharic and English.
• Strong interpersonal and communication abilities.
• Proficiency in visual design and layout of IEC materials.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines