about us

Transforming Lives and Communities Through Sanctuary and Empowerment

The Association for Women’s Sanctuary and Development (AWSAD) is a leading Ethiopian Resident Charitable Association dedicated to the advancement of women’s and girls’ rights, safety, and empowerment. Established in 2003, we have become a pivotal actor in responding to and preventing gender-based violence (GBV) across multiple regions of Ethiopia.

Rooted in a survivor-centered and rights-based approach, AWSAD provides comprehensive, multi-sectoral services to women and girls affected by violence. Our work extends beyond immediate crisis intervention to include long-term rehabilitation, economic empowerment, and community-wide prevention programs designed to create sustainable change.

With a network of six safe houses, a dedicated team of 158 professionals, and partnerships with key governmental and international institutions, we have supported over 35,000 survivors on their journey from trauma to healing, and from vulnerability to independence.

Our mission is to serve as a center of excellence for the rehabilitation of survivors and to collaborate with communities and stakeholders to prevent and eliminate gender-based violence, fostering a safe, peaceful, and just environment for all.