Addis Ababa
Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER) _ Ethiopia
About Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER)Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER) is the aid organization of the Swiss Protestant Churches which champions the cause of a more humane and just world. Its projects, implemented in over 30 countries, combat the causes of hunger, injustice, and social distress. The dignity of every human being is central to our commitment. HEKS/EPER started supporting projects in Ethiopia in 1972 and is currently a key humanitarian and development partner for the Ethiopian government across five regions. HEKS/EPER works with vulnerable communities including female-headed households, internally displaced persons and pastoralists. Thematic areas of intervention include: water, hygiene, sanitation, food security, protection, emergency shelter, natural resource management, agroecology, market system development, and institutional engagement. ABOUT THE PROJECTSwiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER), in partnership with Community Initiatives Facilitation and Assistance (CIFA Kenya and its affiliated CIFA Ethiopia), secured funds from the Austrian Development Agency  (ADA) to enhance women's leverage in conflict prevention, resolution, peace building, relief and recovery in the regions of Borana, Ethiopia and Marsabit, Kenya. The targeted area is characterized by conflicts, mainly on the natural resource between and among populations on both sides of the Kenya-Ethiopia border, with limited to no participation of women in local and traditional institutions and governance mechanisms. Cross-border movements often lead to competition over the control and access to natural resources, which are becoming increasingly scarce due to growth in human and livestock population, pastureland degradation, bush encroachment, and climate change.