Organization for the Development of Women and Children (ODWaCE) the former Ye Ethiopia Goji Limadawi Dirgitoch Aswogaj Mahiber (EGLDAM), is an indigenous not-for-profit, non-governmental organization established in 1987 as a National Committee on Traditional Practices of Ethiopia (NCTPE) and registered as a charity in 1993. In 2008 the Organization changed its title from NCTPE to Ye Ethiopia Goji LImadawi Dirgitoch Aswogaj Mahiber (EGLDAM). In line with Charities and Societies Agency’s law, the organization registered for the third time as Organization for the Development of Women and Children-Ethiopia in 2013 through changing its title from EGLDAM to ODWaCE under the registration number. 

Initially, it was established in as a National Committee on Traditional Practices of Ethiopia (NCTPE) under the leadership of Ministry of Health (MOH). It was primarily composed of representatives of government line ministries, local and international NGOs as well as the UN agencies. Current founder members of the organization included a group of intellectuals and energetic people who were highly motivated and committed for contributing their time, skills and energies for the development and empowerment of women, children and youth in Ethiopia.

The organization made a geographic expansion and had interventions in Addis Ababa City Administration, Somali, Amhara, Tigray, SNNPR and Sidama Regional states and contributed to the country in the areas of addressing HTP through conducting national level baseline survey and its follow up survey, which was the first in its kind, and implementing different CM & FGM related programs and projects. It was known for its national and regional level lobby and advocacy work to address the issues of vulnerable children. ODWaCE, being a pioneering NGO in the areas of addressing HTPs, has built good reputations through promoting the rights of children and the provision of quality services for disadvantaged children’s victims of CM & FGM.

GOVERNANCE

The Executive Board of Directors is the highest governing organ of ODWaCE, which primarily responsible for defining policy matters of the organization and appointing the executive director of the organization. The Executive director of the organization along with a management team are responsible for managing and coordination the different programs and projects of the organization. Currently, ODWaCE has four employees operating in Addis Ababa.

PRIMARY STAKEHOLDERS/TARGETS/

Our primary targets/stakeholders are children victims of different forms of Harmful Traditional Practices/HTPs/, trafficking and unsafe migration, worst form of child labor and child minority and their institutions (school clubs, PTAs, Child protection committee and out of school clubs); Poor female headed households and their institutions, women minority, Street women with children and their institutions; Unemployed youth and youth victims of trafficking and unsafe migration and the institutions and Community and their institutions.

PARTNERS

ODWaCE closely works with the government agencies at federal, regional and local level (especially with the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Education, Labor & Social Affairs, health & law enforcement authorities), with diverse donors such as SKN, Pathfinder, NCA, WAAFAG, OAK Foundation, PIE, UNICEF, UNFPA, SCD, SCI, etc. that directly fund its programs for the last three decades; community groups & associations and Networks & Consortium such as CCRDA, RHRN2, HC alliances, CORHA)

Organizational Identity

Vision: To see a violence, abuse and marginalization free society where all women, children, and youth enjoy their rights

Mission: Empowering women, children, and youth, as well as their institutions and Creating an enabling environment to address their issues through support, rehabilitation, promotion of rights, and capacity-building initiatives

Values:

• Strategic orientation: Our strategy will guide us in managing our activities and dealing with any changes that may arise.
• Commitment: We are deeply committed to our mission, the communities with which we collaborate, the government, member organizations, and key stakeholders.
• Collective action and solidarity: When our mission calls for it, we strive for collaborative action and cooperation, and we stand with and for other NGOs and CSOs when they face challenges in their work.
• Participation: We ensure that our key stakeholders participate meaningfully at all levels.
• Gender and diversity: We recognize the importance of reflecting on and promoting gender and diversity issues in our work.
• Good governance: We work with utmost transparency, accountability, and integrity.
• Non-discrimination: We ensure that no one will be discriminated against because of their gender, religion, ethnicity, age, or geography.
• Professionalism: Evidence and justice will guide our decisions and actions.
• Respect: we respect the country’s governing laws as well as the society’s culture.