Legal empowerment is about more than just knowing the law—it's about ensuring that communities can use the law to protect their rights, access justice, and participate meaningfully in democratic processes.
In Ethiopia, our partnership with the Civil Society Resource Center (CSRC) has enabled us to reach thousands of civic leaders and community advocates with legal literacy programs. These programs focus on:
- Understanding Ethiopia's CSO law and regulatory framework
- Rights and responsibilities of civil society organizations
- Legal pathways for advocacy and policy engagement
- Access to justice mechanisms for marginalized communities
Through our Dr. Bogalech Gebre Fellowship, we place young lawyers within institutions like the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, where they gain hands-on experience in human rights work while contributing to investigations and documentation.
The impact of these programs extends far beyond individual participants. When communities understand their legal rights and how to access justice, they become more empowered to advocate for themselves and hold institutions accountable.