TOR to revise and update the existing TOT Manual on the Prevention of and Response to SGBV/HTPs

The Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association (EWLA) is an independent, non-governmental, and not-for-profit organization working to reverse gender inequality in Ethiopia. EWLA strives to ensure equality at policy formulation and application stages, with particular emphasis on women. EWLA envisions Ethiopia to be a country where women and men stand as equals. EWLA’s mission is firmly framed as championing the economic, political, social, and legal rights of Ethiopian women, ensuring they receive the full protection guaranteed under the Constitution and international human rights conventions. Founded in 1996, EWLA stands as a beacon of hope for women in Ethiopia, advocating for their rights and empowering them to claim their rightful place in Ethiopian society. The organization has its head office in Addis Ababa and eight branches in Oromia, Benshagul Gumuz, Amhara, Dire Dawa, Gambella, SNNPR, Afar and Somali (EWLA, 20211) regional states. EWLA operates in three core program areas. Free Legal Aide service is one of the three pillars of intervention areas, whereby women who have faced the trauma of gender-based violence have benefited from. Public Education and Capacity Building is another area that EWLA works to empower women through increasing their legal system awareness, capacitating them to claim their rights, and encouraging them to make meaningful contributions to their society. Research and Legal Reform Advocacy is the third core dimension of programs run by EWLA. Demanding legal reforms that address systemic inequalities and creating a more just society for all is at the very heart of this program.

EWLA, in partnership with UNFPA, has been implementing a project called “Enhancing Access to Justice for Women and Girls through Comprehensive Strategies that Address Gender-Based Violence and Harmful Practices in Humanitarian and Development Contexts Across Ethiopia” Since July 2025. This project has focused on enhancing access to justice for women and children survivors of GBV by strengthening/establishing comprehensive, survivor-centered legal aid services, strengthening law enforcement institutions tailored to the needs of GBV survivors in Ethiopia: Addis Ababa, Oromia, SNNR, Amhara, Gambella, Benishangul Gumuz, Afar, and Somali regions.

Background

Ethiopia is currently struggling with a deepening crisis of gender-based violence, particularly in regions severely affected by conflict, war, displacement, and climate shocks. The convergence of armed conflict, forced displacement, climate related hazards, deeply rooted gender inequalities and alongside harmful traditional practices (HTPs) has created a volatile environment where women and girls face disproportionate risks of violence, exploitation and abuse (UNFPA, 2025; IOM, 2025).1 2 Despite ongoing national and international efforts, persistent underreporting, social stigma, and limited access to survivor services continue to obstruct justice and recovery for victims, underscoring the urgent need to strengthen for comprehensive, context-sensitive, and multisectoral intervention (UNFPA, 2025).

National data and regional data consistently reveal alarmingly high rates of GBV. In some conflict-affected areas, prevalence estimates range from 39% to over 58 %, with intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual violence being the most reported forms 3 (UNHCR, 2022). 4The situation is further exacerbated by widespread displacement: as of mid-2025, Ethiopia hosts over 3.3. million internally displaced persons (IDPs), with Amhara alone accommodating more than 600,000 IDPs (!OM, 2025) and Gambella hosting nearly 375,000 refugees, primarily from South Sudan (UNICEF, 2025).5 In Afar the intersection of conflict, drought, and displacement has created a complex humanitarian emergency, placing millions at heightened risk of GBV. Women and girls in IDP camps are particularly vulnerable to early marriage, sexual violence, and survival sex, compounded by limited access to protection services (UN Women, 2023)6. Conflict and displacement not only increase GBV risks but also disrupt protection systems, weaken community safety nets, and limit humanitarian access.

In addition to conflict and displacement, harmful traditional practices (HTPs), such as early and forced marriage, transactional sex, and female genital mutilation (FGM), remain widespread in Ethiopia. These practices are deeply rooted in cultural norms and disproportionately affect women and girls, increasing their vulnerability to GBV, unwanted pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.

Objective

The overall objective of the manual is to update the existing TOT manual on Prevention and Response to SGBV/HTPs (on investigation, prosecution, communication skills, and survivor-friendly service) in coordination with relevant justice institutions, including Police, public prosecutors, and Judges who are fighting GBV/HTPs.

Expected Results

A comprehensive TOT manual on Prevention of and Response to SGBV/HTPs (on investigation, prosecution, communication skills, and survivor-friendly services) for Judges, Public Prosecutors, Police, and judges, particularly, the findings and recommendations of the study will be used for further studies by EWLA.

Tasks of the Consultant

• Revise and update the existing SGB/HTPs TOT manual in English and Amharic languages and submit to EWLA for comments.
• Conduct a desk review of relevant international and national documents in EWLA and the Justice organ (police, public prosecutors, and judges)
• Revise the existing manual on Prevention of and Response to SGBV/HTPs to be suitable for stockholders.
• Identify gaps and challenges in the fight against GBV/HTPs in the project target areas
• Recommend possible ways to enhance awareness of the community and relevant government authorities on women’s rights and GBV/HTPs, as well as available services;
• Submit progress report/inception report to EWLA duly for comments aside from regular reports
• Incorporate relevant comments and recommendations from the stakeholders and donors
• Produce the final document in English and Amharic and submit to EWLA.

Scope of the study

• The manual preparation is limited to the regions: Adiss Ababa, Oromia, Amhara, and one region with the consultation of the consultant.

Time Frame

• One month is allocated for the completion of the revised TOT manual from the time of signing of the contract.
• The consultant is obliged to submit a progress report to EWLA every 10 days
• The consultant should complete and submit to EWLA the design of the revised manual and the data collection instruments within five days after the signing of the contract.
• The consultant shall submit a draft copy of the revised TOT manual at the 25th day for comment by EWLA, which EWLA should complete and return within three days.
• The consultant shall submit the final copy of the manual on the 30th day.

Qualification

• Proven experience of the company in undertaking similar assessments;
• Track record in working with government organizations, NGOs, and the general public ;
• At least one member of the team should have a BA/MA degree in Low, gender studies, human rights, or related social science fields.
• Familiarity with the National and international commitments on gender equality and women’s empowerment, and the domestication
• proficiency in report writing in English (Sample assessment can be presented by consultant/s
• Renewed and valid license

Research Methodology

• Qualitative methodology will be deployed in conducting the manual to assess the mechanism of prevention and response related to SGBV/HTPs in selected governmental and non-governmental organizations in alignment with a strong gender dimension. To this effect, the consultant/s will develop a survey questionnaire to collect information on the effort made to control the prevention and response of SGBV/HTPs, and also focus group discussions and in-depth interviews will be carried out with experts working on gender and HTP with different stakeholders.

Deliverables:

• The inception report should be submitted within five days after signing the agreement.
• A first draft of the report should be submitted to EWLA within 25 days after signing the agreement
• EWLA and relevant stakeholders will comment on the draft within the days after submission of the documents
• The final report of the revised TOT Manual in both English and Amharic languages will be submitted within 30 days after signing of the agreement