Mekelle, Tigray – October 2025
The Tigray Women’s Association (TWA), in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and with the generous support of the Government of Japan, officially handed over sanitary materials production equipment to support women and girls affected by conflict and natural disasters in Tigray.
This initiative is part of a one-year project launched in February 2025, funded by the Government of Japan. The project aims to empower vulnerable women and girls
socially and economically, helping them rebuild their lives and livelihoods in post-conflict areas.
During the handover ceremony, several high-level delegates attended, including:
• Mrs. Abeba Haileselassie, CEO of the Tigray Women’s Association (TWA)
• Dr. Akiyo Nonogaki, Programme Specialist and focal point of the project at UNFPA Ethiopia
• Dr. James Wanyama, Humanitarian Programme Coordinator at UNFPA Ethiopia
• Mr. Tesfu Alemu, Officer-in-Charge of UNFPA Mekelle Sub-Office
As part of the handover, the following materials were provided to strengthen the local production and awareness of menstrual health:
• 22 high-specification sewing machines
for the production of reusable sanitary materials
• 200 mobile phones to support communication and coordination within women’s groups
• 2,000 menstrual health booklets to promote awareness and education on menstrual hygiene management
This collaboration underscores the shared commitment of UNFPA, TWA, and the Government of Japan to promote gender equality, improve women’s health, and foster economic resilience in Tigray.