Women Empowerment and Social Rehabilitation

The Ethiopian Catholic Church has been working significantly in advancing the welfare of women and vulnerable groups through its pastoral and social developmental initiatives. The Church’s Women in Development programs are primarily dedicated to empowering women and girls by enhancing their social, economic, and educational opportunities, and helping them overcome the various challenges that hinder their well-being. Similarly, the Ethiopian Catholic Church’s Social Rehabilitation programs encompass a range of initiatives provided by dioceses and social rehabilitation centers. These
services—such as orphan and vulnerable children (OVC) centers, elderly care facilities, and health support centers— are designed to assist marginalized groups, including orphans, the elderly, and individuals with Impairments.

Objective

The Women’s Development Program is designed to promote gender equality and equity, ensuring that women are respected, empowered, and fully recognized for their contributions to society. The program seeks to integrate women’s issues into the Church’s broader social and pastoral mission, establishing sustainable and impactful initiatives that foster long-term change.

Scope

The Women and Family Affairs Department of the Ethiopian Catholic Church Social and Development Commission oversees two main programs: the Women Development Program and the Social Rehabilitation Program. These initiatives are designed to address the needs of vulnerable groups, with a focus on empowering women and supporting marginalized communities through social services and rehabilitation efforts. The women development program mainly deals with the activities of women promotion projects and the social rehabilitation programs, which have various activities which mainly targets orphans and vulnerable children, the elderly, and people with impairment.