Meet the feminist lawyers in Ethiopia supporting women after violence

19 December 2024
By Womankind Worldwide

The festive season has arrived, but for many women worldwide, it does not bring joy. In Ethiopia, where nearly 73% of women have faced domestic violence in the past year, many women endure abuse and violence every day. But with your support, we can challenge this injustice.

In Ethiopia, laws meant to protect women and girls are weak or poorly enforced, leaving them at risk of domestic violence and harmful practices like female genital mutilation (FGM), which still affects 65% of Ethiopian women. Societal and economic pressures force many women to marry young, and a subsequent lack of financial independence puts them at even greater risk of abuse. Too often, women and girls also lack access to education, healthcare, and formal employment, making it difficult to break free from cycles of poverty and violence

72% of women in Ethiopia have experienced domestic violence in the past 12 months.

Despite these significant challenges, Ethiopian women are demanding change. They are advocating for stronger laws, better employment opportunities, and improved healthcare. With the support of our partner Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association (EWLA), many are taking bold steps to reclaim their rights and build a more just society.

Bilen’s story

Bilen* (*not her real name) endured years of abuse at the hands of her husband. When she sought help from the police, they dismissed her case, sending her home to face more violence. Feeling trapped, she turned to EWLA.

‘We couldn’t let Bilen go home, so we found her accommodation in a safe house. We then took her case to the public prosecutor offices, and the ministry of justice. Eventually, her husband was arrested and sentenced to 11 years in prison. We made sure that she got the money she had earned whilst they were together, so that she can now make her own choices about her future life,’

– Hiwot Musse (pictured above), staff member at EWLA

Finally free from violence thanks to EWLA’s help, Bilen’s life began to turn around. But many more women need EWLA’s support.

Support EWLA now

How you can make a difference

This festive season, you can help ensure more women like Bilen receive the legal support and protection they deserve.

A donation could support EWLA in Ethiopia to:

Provide free legal advice to survivors of domestic violence.
Offer safe shelter for women and children fleeing abuse.
Advocate for stronger laws and gender equality across Ethiopia.
Educate women and girls about their rights and help them reclaim their freedom.

Your donation – no matter how big or small – will support our work transforming the lives of countless women at risk of violence in Ethiopia. Just £5 could help keep EWLA’s legal aid hotline open, offering crucial support to women trapped in abusive situations.