Office of Former Chief Justice-Meaza Ashenafi

17/07/2026

16/07/2026

We are excited to announce the official launch of the implementation phase of the Know Your Rights Initiative.
On July 15, the Office of Former Chief Justice Meaza Ashenafi, in partnership with Justice for All-PF Ethiopia and the Addis Ababa Civil Registration and Residency Service Agency, launched the implementation phase of the initiative by delivering the first awareness session to couples registering their marriages.
Following the successful training of officers from the Addis Ababa Civil Registration and Residency Service Agency, the initiative has now entered its implementation phase, providing legal awareness directly to couples at the time of marriage registration.
During the session, couples learned about their fundamental rights and responsibilities under Ethiopia’s Family Law. By providing this information at the very beginning of their marital journey, the initiative seeks to empower couples to make informed decisions, foster mutual respect, and build stronger and informed families.
We are proud to see this initiative move from planning to action. In the coming months, these awareness sessions will continue across different woredas of the Addis Ababa Civil Registration and Residency Service Agency, reaching more couples and promoting awareness of family rights and responsibilities.

06/07/2026

06/07/2026

Collaboration with Haramaya University College of Law

The Office of Former Chief Justice Meaza Ashenafi and Justice for All-PF Ethiopia are pleased to announce the signing of a Letter of Understanding with the Haramaya University College of Law on July 3, 2026, at Haramaya University to collaborate on our Mentorship Program.

The Mentorship Program empowers young women in law by connecting them with senior legal professionals and providing essential skills, guidance, and mentorship opportunities for both personal and professional growth. We have already established a partnership with the Addis Ababa University School of Law, and now we are thrilled to extend this initiative to the Haramaya University College of Law.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Professor Mengistu Urge, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Richard Wentzel, Dean of College of Law at Haramaya University, for their support in making this partnership possible.

Together, we are building empowered female legal professionals and fostering a more inclusive and equitable justice system.

04/07/2026

04/07/2026

04/07/2026

03/07/2026

Know Your Rights/ እንወቅ- Session 5
Collaboration with the Dire Dawa Administration Vital Events Registration and Verification Bureau and Other Key Stakeholders

On July 2, 2026, the Office of Former Chief Justice Meaza Ashenafi (OFCJ-MA), in collaboration with Justice for All-Prison Fellowship Ethiopia (JFA-PFE), organized a discussion forum on the 'Know Your Rights/እንወቅ' Program with the key stakeholders of the Dire Dawa Administration at East Star Hotel, Dire Dawa. This event marked a significant step in expanding the initiative to cities beyond Addis Ababa.

The forum introduced the office in general and the 'Know Your Rights/እንወቅ' Program in particular to the Dire Dawa Administration Vital Events Registration and Verification Bureau, Women’s, Children’s, and Social Affairs Office, Plan Commission Office, Justice, Security, and Legal Affairs Office, representatives from Dire Dawa City Woredas, religious leaders, and Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association ensuring inclusive engagement across key institutions.
During the event, the OFCJ-MA and JFA-PFE were introduced, and the ‘Know Your Rights’ Program was explained in detail. Experiences from Addis Ababa’s Registration and Civil Registration and Residence Service Agency were shared, offering lessons and insights into program implementation. Following these presentations, participants engaged in intensive discussions on how to adapt and implement the program in Dire Dawa, as well as on the draft Memorandum of Understanding.
Stakeholders unanimously agreed on the importance of the program in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment, while also strengthening informed family relationships. Participants further stressed the need to promote women’s rights, strengthen families, and expand legal awareness to both urban and rural communities.
The forum concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by the OFCJ-MA, JFA-PFE, and Dire Dawa Administration Vital Events Registration and Verification Bureau. This agreement formalized the collaboration and reinforced the shared commitment to the effective implementation of the Know Your Rights/እንወቅ initiative within the Dire Dawa Administration.

29/05/2026

Vacancy Announcement 📢
The Office of Former Chief Justice Meaza Ashenafi is looking to hire a Program Assistant for projects on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment implemented in collaboration with Justice for All-Prison Fellowship Ethiopia.

Application Deadline: June 8, 2026
Interested Candidates should submit a CV and a brief cover letter outlining motivation and suitability to:
✉️ [email protected]

Please see the attached file for more details.

20/05/2026

Exciting Opportunity 📢

Call for the Second Phase of the ‘አይቼሽ’ Women in Law Mentorship Program

The Office of Former Chief Justice Meaza Ashenafi, in collaboration with Justice for All-PF Ethiopia, is pleased to announce the second phase of the ‘አይቼሽ’ Women in Law Mentorship Program.
This national initiative is dedicated to advancing women’s empowerment, leadership, and gender equality in Ethiopia by supporting the professional growth of women in the legal field. The mentorship program is designed to connect young women pursuing or building careers in law with experienced legal professionals.

Following the successful completion of the first phase, applications are now open for the second phase.
Young female law students, junior practitioners, and senior legal practitioners can apply as mentees and mentors through the link below.

The Office of Former Chief Justice Meaza Ashenafi is pleased to announce the second phase of the ‘አይቼሽ’ Women in Law Mentorship Program. This national initiative is dedicated to advancing women’s empowerment, leadership, and gender equality in Ethiopia by supporting the professional gr...