Samrawit* is a 16-year-old Grade 6 student living in Sekota Town, Wag Himra Zone. Due to concerns about her safety, her parents strictly limited her movement outside the home. They believed that girls were particularly vulnerable to harassment, violence, and other forms of abuse, and therefore restricted her participation in community activities and social interactions. While these measures were intended to protect her, they reduced her opportunities to build confidence, develop social skills, and exercise independence.
Samrawit*’s mother, Tadelech*, was a housewife who rarely participated in community activities or family decision-making processes. Out of fear for her daughter’s safety, she closely monitored and restricted Samrawit*’s interactions outside the home. Communication within the family was limited, and Samrawit* had little opportunity to openly discuss her concerns, experiences, or aspirations.
In addition, Samrawit* had limited knowledge of her rights, personal safety, and how to recognize and respond to potentially unsafe situations. This left her less prepared to navigate risks and advocate for herself within her community.
Samrawit* was selected to participate in life skills training organized in her (local administration) kebele, while her mother attended Positive Parenting Without Violence (PwV) sessions conducted by Save the Children through the Joint Force for Food Security and Child Protection in Emergency (JF-FS&CPIE) project.
Through the parenting sessions, Samrawit*’s mother learned about gender equality and positive, non-violent parenting practices. The training encouraged her to communicate more openly with her children, involve her in discussions, and participate more actively in family decision-making.
At the same time, Samrawit*’s life skills training provided information about children’s rights, personal safety, emotional management, healthy relationships, and strategies for identifying unsafe places and situations. She also learned how to seek support from trusted adults when facing risks and how to make informed decisions that protect her well-being. The Child Friendly Space at her school further provided a safe and supportive environment where she could express herself creatively and build confidence.
The combined impact of the Life Skills and Positive Parenting Without Violence sessions brought meaningful changes to both Samrawit* and her family. Samrawit* gained confidence, strengthened her understanding of her rights, and became more aware of how to identify and avoid risks within her community. She learned to recognize unsafe situations, seek help when needed, and express her opinions with greater confidence.
The intervention also transformed family relationships. Communication between Samrawit* and her parents improved significantly, creating an environment where concerns and ideas could be discussed openly. Her mother became more supportive and less protective, allowing Samrawit* greater freedom to interact with others, participate in social activities, and engage with her community.
As a result of these changes, Samrawit* became more active both socially and academically. She now participates confidently in public meetings and shares her views openly. Inspired by what she learned, she also began sharing key messages from the Life Skills sessions with friends and neighbors, encouraging them to understand their rights, protect themselves from harm, and believe in their abilities. Today, Samrawit* and her mother describe themselves as more confident and empowered. Their strengthened relationship and improved family environment have created greater support, mutual understanding, and opportunities for Samrawit* to pursue her future with confidence and hope.
As Samrawit*’s mother reflected:
“The Parenting Without Violence and life skills sessions changed our family. As a mother I learned that gender equality begins at home, and my daughter gained the confidence to identify unsafe situations/places and speak up when she feels at risk.”
*Not her real name.
This publication was produced with the financial support of the German Humanitarian Assistance
Its contents are the sole responsibility of Joining Forces and do not necessarily reflect the views of the German Humanitarian Assistance.