Programs

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1. Economic Empowerment of Women

WAT works to break the cycle of poverty by equipping women with marketable skills and access to finance.

  • We operate three women’s training centers in Shire, Maichew, and Adigrat.
  • Thousands of women and adolescent girls receive vocational training for income-generating activities.
  • Through Adeday Microfinance Institution, women access loans and savings services tailored to their needs.
  • Community awareness initiatives promote shared household responsibilities and women’s decision-making power.

Impact: Increased household incomes, improved livelihoods, and greater financial autonomy for women.

2. Education, Health, and Leadership

WAT has invested deeply in the wellbeing and potential of girls and women.

  • We support girls’ education through school tutorials, mentorship, and partnerships with the Tigray Bureau of Education.
  • Adult literacy programs help women gain essential life skills.
  • Maternal health initiatives significantly increased institutional deliveries and previously helped some kebeles reach zero home births-a major achievement before the recent conflict.
  • Nutrition training for pregnant and lactating mothers promotes healthy child development.
  • Our advocacy contributed to achieving 50% female representation in the regional cabinet and over 35% at local government levels-ensuring women’s voices influence policies.

3. Protection From Gender-Based Violence (GBV)

WAT is the only organization in Tigray operating a safe house for survivors of GBV.
In partnership with UNFPA and UN-WOMEN we provide:

  • Medical care
  • Legal assistance
  • Psychosocial support and counseling
  • Skills training and self-defense sessions

During and after the war, we continued to support women with food, non-food items, and emergency assistance. As part of the Alliance of Civil Society Organizations of Tigray (ACSOT), we also played a critical role in documenting and raising global awareness of conflict-related sexual violence.

4. Advocacy, Partnerships, and Accountability

WAT works with communities and local authorities to promote gender-responsive policies, transparency, and social accountability. Our advocacy continues to shape regional decisions that uplift women and protect their rights.

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