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.
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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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CSOs in Amhara Convene to Tackle Malnutrition
Ethiopian Civil Society Coalition for Scaling Up Nutrition (ECSC-SUN) Amhara regional coordination workshop was successfully held in Bahir Dar, bringing together Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) engaged in both nutrition-sensitive and nutrition-specific interventions across the region. Mr. Abebe Bimerew, ECSC-SUN National Lead, delivered the keynote emphasizing the critical importance of integration, coordination, and strong commitment in achieving shared goals and reducing malnutrition at both the regional and national levels. The workshop featured: ✅ An overview of the establishment, evolution, and current status of ECSC-SUN, including key challenges ✅ Familiarization on two strategic documents: ECSC-SUN Food and Nutrition Advocacy Strategy ECSC-SUN Food System Gender-Transformative Nutrition Programing Strategy The status, achievements, and challenges of the regional support platform were also highlighted ✅ In-depth discussions on strengthening the Amhara ECSC-SUN Support Platform The event served as a key opportunity to enhance collaboration, align strategies, and drive collective action toward improved nutrition outcomes in the Amhara region and beyond.
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Gender Transformative Training Empowers Nutrition Leaders!
CARE Ethiopia, through its CASCADE Project, in collaboration with the Ethiopian Civil Society Coalition for Scaling Up Nutrition (ECSC-SUN) Secretariat, successfully conducted a Gender Transformative Food Systems and Nutrition Programming Training in Adama, from 15-17 July 2025. The training aimed to strengthen the capacity of stakeholders to design and implement gender-equitable and rights-based food and nutrition programs. It brought together representatives from key government institutions, including the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, as well as international NGOs that are members of ECSC-SUN. Key Training Topics The training covered a wide range of gender-related concepts and practical tools, including: Gender Concepts and Equity – Foundational understanding of gender equality, equity, and their implications in programming. Gender Norms, Roles, and Social Structures – Analyzing how societal expectations impact food systems and nutrition outcomes. Rights-Based and Equity-Focused Nutrition Programming – Designing inclusive programs that uphold human rights and address disparities. Gender Transformative Tools for Food and Nutrition – Introducing practical approaches to shift power dynamics and promote equality within communities. Gender Audits – Tools and methods to assess gender sensitivity and responsiveness in organizational programs and policies. Gender Integration Continuum and Gender Markers – Tools to assess and track gender integration across program cycles. Gender Budgeting and Action Planning – Techniques to ensure resource allocation is responsive to gender needs and priorities. Several community-level approaches were also discussed, including: Social Analysis and Action (SAA) – Engaging communities in reflecting on and transforming traditional gender norms. Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) – Economic empowerment models that promote women’s agency and decision-making. Farmer Field and Business Schools (FFBS) – Strengthening the capacity of women and men farmers through inclusive learning. Men and Boys Engagement – Strategies to actively involve men and boys in supporting gender equality. Collaborative and Impactful The training was highly interactive and participatory, providing a platform for learning, reflection, and sharing of best practices. Participants appreciated the practical tools and real-world examples, and emphasized the importance of collaborative, gender-transformative approaches to improving food systems and nutrition outcomes. As part of the broader goal of scaling up nutrition in Ethiopia, the training also covered advocacy, partnership development, and resource mobilization strategies to ensure sustainable and far-reaching impact.
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🌍 Strengthening Nutrition Efforts in Sidama Region! 🍎
The Ethiopian Civil Society Coalition for Scaling Up Nutrition (ECSC-SUN) held a regional platform strengthening workshop on July 3, 2025, at Rori Hotel, Hawassa. The event brought together over 20 civil society organizations (CSOs) working across nutrition-sensitive and nutrition-specific interventions in the Sidama region. 🌱 Participants included local, international, and faith-based organizations, all committed to improving nutrition outcomes. Key highlights: ✅ ECSC-SUN status updates and roadmap presentations ✅ Food and nutrition advocacy strategy familiarization ✅ Introduction of the regional Terms of Reference (ToR) and membership guidelines ✅ Election of the regional steering committee members 📌 The workshop concluded with a joint commitment to develop and submit a organizational action plan within two weeks. 🤝 The Sidama regional platform is led by World Vision Ethiopia and co-led by Save the Children. #ECSCSUN #SidamaRegion #CivilSociety #ScalingUpNutrition #PartnershipForChange
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ECSC-SUN Afar Regional Platform Strengthened !
The Ethiopian Civil Society Coalition for Scaling Up Nutrition (ECSC-SUN) conducted a successful monitoring visit to the Afar Region. Led by Afar Health Bureau, interactive discussion held engaging key stakeholders from the Health, Agriculture, and Education Bureaus, the President’s Office, Amref Health Africa, and the ECSC-SUN Secretariat. 🔍 Key Highlights: ✅ Regional Food & Nutrition Council officially launched ✅ Strategy translated into local language for accessibility ✅ Technical committee established ✅ Multi-sector collaboration strengthened ✅ Mapping of civil society organizations working on nutrition ✅ Regular, timely coordination meetings held 🌟 Impact Achieved: 🥦 School gardening programs expanded 📈 Local capacity enhanced 🚫 Stunting averted through joint interventions Together, we’re making nutrition a priority in Afar! #NutritionMatters #ECSCSUN #AfarRegion #Amref #SaveTheChildren #GEP
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School Gardening Visit
A joint delegation from Save the Children, Ethiopian Civil Society Coalition for Scaling Up Nutrition (ECSC-SUN) Secretariat and Mums for Mums paid a visit to a thriving school gardening project in Kilete Awlalo Woreda, located in the Tigray region. The school garden, flourishing with a variety of vegetables including spinach stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of multiple stakeholders. Key contributors to the project’s success include the woreda’s development agents, agricultural experts, school clubs, and principals, all of whom played vital roles in driving the initiative forward.
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