Ethiopia: Women's Land Rights
Advocacy for women who do not have access to land.
Although women in Ethiopia have equal rights to land ownership and use according to the law, social norms, patriarchal traditions and customary law prevent fair implementation. In practice, women often have no access to land. Ownership is regulated by male family members and women neither know their rights nor can they enforce them. In male-headed households, they rarely have their own land titles; upon divorce or death of the husband, many women lose all control over the family's land or property.
"Say to the Israelites, “If a man dies and leaves no son, give his inheritance to his daughter."
In the West Guji Zone in south-west Ethiopia, violent conflicts and recurring natural disasters have destroyed the livelihoods of many people. Women, who are already disadvantaged, are particularly affected as they are often dependent on their husbands or male relatives. At the same time, they lack access to information, credit, agricultural inputs, healthcare and education. They also experience structural discrimination, which keeps them poor and dependent.
In order to overcome social pressure, family dependency and the fear of social marginalisation, the Development and Social Services Commission of the Mekane-Yesus-Church is asking for support. The project pursues a dialogue-oriented approach and specifically involves both church and traditional leaders. The aim is to make the connection between land rights, gender justice and Christian values visible. In sermons, theological events and community-based activities, they are empowered to actively address the issue and initiate a change in awareness.
The project aims to create an environment in which women are encouraged and supported to demand their rights and actively participate in decision-making processes. In the long term, this should contribute to improved food security, economic independence and fairer, more peaceful development in the project area.
With your donation, please help women in Ethiopia to realise their rights and provide for their families in a self-determined way.
