Terms of Reference (ToR)

Political Leadership and Resilience Circle Training for Women Politicians in Ethiopia

Organizational Background

The Network of Ethiopian Women Associations (NEWA) is a pioneering national coalition advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment in Ethiopia. Established in 2003 and re-registered under certificate number 1481, NEWA works to ensure women’s social, economic, political, and legal entitlements are recognized and upheld at all levels. With 55 member associations, NEWA influences national policies and programs, striving to build a society where gender equality is fully realized.

2. Training Rationale

Political leadership and resilience are essential pillars of inclusive governance and sustainable development. Women politicians in Ethiopia continue to face systemic barriers such as gender bias, unequal access to resources, and limited opportunities for capacity-building. Following Ethiopia’s 7th General Election on June 1, 2026, it is critical to support both elected and non-elected women politicians to sustain their engagement in politics, strengthen their leadership capacity, and prepare for future roles.

NEWA is currently implementing the Demo Finland–funded project “Inclusive Women’s Political Participation in Ethiopia.” This initiative addresses entrenched barriers to women’s political participation, including discriminatory norms, underrepresentation in leadership, and violence against women in politics (VAWP). Leveraging its extensive network and expertise, NEWA is leading targeted interventions in Addis Ababa, Benishangul Gumuz, and Oromia regions, working closely with political parties and women politicians to promote inclusive governance and equitable representation.

This training is designed to equip participants with the skills to lead effectively under pressure, adapt to challenges, and sustain long-term political engagement. It will foster confidence, resilience, and collaboration, enabling women to challenge stereotypes, strengthen solidarity, and drive transformative change within their communities and political parties.

3. Training Objectives

Overall Goal: Strengthen the political leadership and resilience capacity of women politicians in Ethiopia.

Specific Objectives:

• Enhance leadership potential among women committed to advancing gender equality and inclusive governance.
• Empower participants with self-development and leadership skills to effectively navigate patriarchal structures and systemic barriers.
• Foster networking, solidarity, and peer learning across political parties to build collective influence and collaboration.
• Establish resilience circles as peer support platforms that provide emotional wellbeing, mentorship, and professional growth opportunities.
• Encourage collective reflection and adaptive strategies to address polititical challenges, strengthen resilience, and sustain long-term political engagement.

4. Expected Outcomes

By the end of the training, participants will:

• Demonstrate improved knowledge and skills in political leadership and gender equality.

• Apply leadership competencies effectively in political processes.

• Establish sustainable networks that strengthen women’s participation in politics and governance.

5. Scope of Assignment

• Deliver three in-person trainings:

• Asosa (Benishangul Gumuz participants): July 16–17, 2026

• Adama (Addis Ababa participants): July 20–21, 2026

• Adama (Oromia participants): July 24–25, 2026

• Develop bilingual training materials (English and Amharic).

• Facilitate interactive sessions using participatory methods.

• Submit a final training report with reflections, outcomes, and recommendations.

6. Training Methodology

The program will adopt adult-learning principles, emphasizing participatory and practical approaches:

• Brief lectures and presentations

• Visual learning materials

• Brainstorming and group discussions

• Individual and group exercises

• Practical demonstrations and experience-sharing

7. Trainers and Facilitators

• Lead Trainers: Women trainers certified in transformative leadership, political leadership, and resilience circles.

• Co-Facilitators: NEWA staff overseeing facilitation and logistics.

• Participant Coordination: Managed jointly by NEWA and the Political Parties Joint Council in target regions.

8. Responsibilities of Trainers/Facilitators

Trainers/Facilitators will:

• Develop and adapt training materials (including PowerPoint presentations and handouts) to align with Ethiopia’s political, cultural, and social context.

• Develop curriculum, presentations, and exercises.

• Conduct pre- and post-training assessments.

• Deliver three two-day training sessions covering political leadership, decision-making, gender equality, women’s rights, and resilience circle practices.

• Submit a comprehensive training report including results, challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations.

9. Deliverables

• Inception report with training strategy and work plan

• Training materials (PowerPoint, handouts, exercises) in English and Amharic

• Delivery of three two-day trainings

• Final training report with outcomes and recommendations

10. Training Participants

The training will engage 153 women candidates from diverse political parties in Addis Ababa, Benishangul Gumuz, and Oromia.

11. Monitoring & Evaluation

• Pre- and post-training self-assessments

• Participant feedback and reflection

• Outcome harvesting of personal and political shifts

• Follow-up coaching and peer learning

12. Ethical & Inclusion Principles

• Safe, respectful, and confidential learning environment

• Intersectional inclusion of diverse identities

Annex: ToR Political Leadership and Resilience Circle Training for Women Politicians in Ethiopia