Overview

The Siiqqee Women’s Development Association (SWDA) is an Ethiopian nonprofit organization established in 1997. The word “Siiqqee” comes from Oromo tradition, where women used a symbolic stick as a form of protection and a tool for demanding justice and respect. The organization embodies this concept by working to protect and empower women and girls.

SWDA is legally registered in Ethiopia and operates as a resident charity. Its vision is to see women and children living with dignity and security, while its mission is to empower them socially, economically, and politically, enabling equal participation in all aspects of life.

Core values guiding the organization include participation, integrity, inclusion, transparency, respect for humanity, and accountability.

Program Areas

SWDA runs multiple programs across Ethiopia, with a strong focus on the Oromia region. Its main areas of work include:

Girls’ Education & Empowerment

School clubs and mentorship to reduce dropout rates.

Life skills, counseling, and academic support for adolescent girls.

Women’s Socio-Economic Empowerment

Training and formation of self-help groups.

Support for small businesses, cooperatives, and micro-enterprises.

Health & Reproductive Rights

Awareness programs on sexual and reproductive health.

Family planning, psychosocial support, and community health education.

Gender Equality & Advocacy

Campaigns and community outreach against gender-based violence.

Advocacy to challenge harmful traditional practices.

Child Support & Protection

Assistance for orphans and vulnerable children.

Support in education, nutrition, and psychosocial wellbeing.

Environment & Livelihoods

Sustainable agriculture, tree planting, and water conservation.

Beekeeping and other eco-friendly income-generating activities.

Peacebuilding & Humanitarian Response

Community-based conflict resolution.

Relief and humanitarian interventions in times of crisis.

Impact

Thousands of women and children have been reached across multiple communities.

School dropout rates among supported girls are significantly reduced.

Alumni of girls’ clubs often move on to higher education or vocational training.

Women’s self-help groups have created sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Governance & Structure

The organization is guided by a General Assembly and a Board of Directors, the majority of whom are women. A professional management team oversees daily operations, project implementation, and accountability systems. SWDA also works with partners including NGOs, government bodies, and community organizations.

Location

SWDA is headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with outreach programs in several districts of the Oromia region.