Advancing Gender-Transformative Approaches in Ethiopia’s Food and Nutrition Systems
The Ethiopia Civil Society Coalition for Scaling Up Nutrition (ECSC-SUN) is a national platform comprising 82 national and international civil society organizations dedicated to supporting Ethiopia’s ambition to end all forms of malnutrition by 2030. The coalition is chaired by Save the Children, co‑chaired by Concern Worldwide, with CARE Ethiopia leading the Gender Thematic Area. Recognizing the deep interlinkages between nutrition and gender inequality, ECSC-SUN works to address both through targeted capacity strengthening, advocacy, and resource support. Tackling malnutrition—particularly among women, adolescent girls, and children—requires more than technical interventions; it demands transformative action that challenges the structural and social norms driving inequality. To advance this effort, the Gender Transformative Nutrition Programming Manual, developed by the ECSC-SUN Gender and Nutrition Thematic Working Groups under CARE Ethiopia’s leadership, equips stakeholders with conceptual clarity, practical tools, and actionable frameworks for gender-equitable nutrition programming. CARE Ethiopia, through the CASCADE program, recently delivered a Gender Transformative Approach (GTA) training designed to enhance the capacity of civil society organizations to effectively integrate gender considerations into food system and nutrition interventions. 🔹 GTA Training for CSOs From December 15–17, CARE Ethiopia conducted a second round of GTA training for CSOs that had not participated in earlier sessions. The training aimed at participants to demonstrate improved understanding of GTA concepts and tools. Key topics included: • Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) • Social Analysis tools • Gender in Nutrition • GTA tools such as Men & Boys Engagement 🔹 Knowledge Sharing & Networking Forum On December 18, a learning forum convened by 23 participants representing CSOs, government institutions, and FNS platforms. The forum provided an opportunity to: • Showcase ECSC-SUN’s key achievements in strengthening nutrition governance and advancing the Women’s Economic Empowerment and Adolescent Initiative pilot project • Share CARE’s GTA experiences • Exchange best practices for scaling gender-transformative approaches These collective efforts reinforce the coalition’s commitment to promoting gender equity and advancing sustainable nutrition outcomes across Ethiopia. #GenderTransformativeApproaches #Nutrition #GenderEquality #CARE #CASCADE #ECSCSUN #FoodSystems #CapacityBuilding #SUNMovement
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Ethiopia Nutrition Leaders Network (ENLN) Hosts 7th Annual Forum
The Ethiopia Nutrition Leaders Network (ENLN) convened its 7th Annual Forum under the theme: “The Role of Nutrition Leadership in a Changing Funding Environment.” The Ethiopian Civil Society Coalition for Scaling Up Nutrition (ECSC-SUN) is honored to contribute to this high-level event, with its National Lead, Abebe Bimerew, delivering a keynote address. Highlighting the importance of strong leadership in the sector, he stated: “Nutrition leadership is both a moral responsibility and a strategic economic imperative, as demonstrated by ECSC-SUN’s work.” ECSC-SUN proudly supported the forum both financially and technically, reaffirming its commitment to advancing Ethiopia’s food and nutrition agenda through collaboration, capacity building, and advocacy.
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Developing the Food System and Nutrition Legal Framework
A high-level workshop dedicated to the development of a comprehensive food system and nutrition legal framework has officially commenced. The opening session brought together senior officials from the Prime Minister’s Office Legal Directorate, the Ministry of Justice Legal Directorate, as well as legal officers and nutrition focal points from key implementing sectors. As a core group member, Ethiopian Civil Society Coalition for Scaling Up Nutrition (ECSC-SUN) provided financial support to this high-level initiative, which aims to strengthen governance, coordination, and accountability within the country’s nutrition landscape.
Read MoreECSC-SUN Newsletter Volume 4
ESC SUN _News letter Volume 4, 2024 https://ecscsun.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/ESC-SUN-_News-letter-Volume-4-2024.pdf
Read MoreECSC-SUN newsletter Volume 5 & 6
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ECSC-SUN General Assembly Puts Spotlight on Nutrition Financing and Localization
The Ethiopian Civil Society Coalition for Scaling Up Nutrition (ECSC-SUN) held its General Assembly and Learning Event, bringing together government leaders, UN agencies, donors, civil society, and the private sector to strengthen food systems and nutrition in Ethiopia. As Chair and host, Save the Children in Ethiopia delivered opening remarks, underscoring that “nutrition is more than a moral obligation; it is a wise economic investment.” Keynote speeches from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing nutrition. This year’s GA placed a strong focus on nutrition financing and localization. A panel discussion featuring the private sector, civil society organizations, the SUN Movement (Global), and the Government of Ethiopia explored strategies for mobilizing sustainable resources, empowering local actors, and accelerating nutrition transformation. Alongside the discussions, civil society organizations showcased their best practices in an exhibition, fostering shared learning and collaboration. The event highlighted the power of partnership and the collective commitment to investing in nutrition for a healthier Ethiopia.
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Nutrition Leadership Training Successfully Completed in Adama
The Nutrition Leadership Training was successfully conducted from August 26–31, 2025, at Robi Hotel in Adama Town. The training brought together members of the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Research Steering Committee (MER-SC) with the objective of strengthening their leadership capacity to advance evidence-based nutrition actions in Ethiopia. This important milestone was achieved through strong collaboration among the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), the Ministry of Health (MOH), and the Ethiopian Civil Society Coalition for Scaling Up Nutrition (ECSC-SUN) hosted by Save the Children. The organizers expressed their appreciation to all MER-SC member s for their active participation and commitment and extended sincere thanks to partners for their valuable support in making the training a success. Together, these collective efforts contribute to building stronger systems and leadership for ending malnutrition in Ethiopia.
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