Proceedings of the 15th Anniversary Workshop of the Children, Youth and Women – Research and Practice Forum

This publication presents the proceedings of the 15th Anniversary Workshop of the Children, Youth and Women - Research and Practice Forum (CYW-RPF), held in February 2025 in Addis Ababa. The CYW-RPF, originally launched in 2010 as the Child Research and Practice Forum, has evolved into a vibrant platform that bridges research, policy, and practice on issues affecting children, youth, and women in Ethiopia. Over the past 15 years, the Forum has hosted more than 170 research presentations, creating a unique space for evidence-based dialogue and collaboration among government agencies, academia, civil society, and development partners.

This commemorative volume compiles 14 research papers presented at the anniversary workshop under the overarching theme of “Protection and Empowerment of Children, Youth and Women.” The papers address a wide range of timely and critical issues, including child protection, gender-based violence, early childhood education, youth employment, multidimensional poverty, reproductive health, political participation, and the impacts of conflict on education and well-being.

The contributing authors represent a broad spectrum of institutions: government ministries, universities, research organizations, and NGOs, reflecting the inclusive and multidisciplinary spirit of the Forum. Their work brings forth compelling insights that inform national policies and sectoral strategies.

By capturing and disseminating this body of research, the proceedings reinforce the Forum’s ongoing mission: to ensure that research does not remain on the shelf, but rather serves as a tool for positive change, translating knowledge into policy and action that meaningfully improves the lives of children, youth, and women across Ethiopia.