How Ethiopia Ended Family Law Discrimination
Channel: World Bank Group Jobs
Date: 2012-09-25

Meaza Ashenafi, Board Chairperson of Ethiopia's Enat Bank, describes how her country was able to amend its' family law to eliminate discrimination against women.

The effort started in 1995 when Ethiopia developed a new constitution, which included progressive provisions by an international convention. Once a women's bill of rights was in the constitution, civil society organizations began to audit subordinate laws and identify discriminatory features.

Public opinion was then mobilized against these laws, and civil society groups submitted proposals to the government to amend discriminatory laws. The government deserves credit for being so responsive, says Ashenafi. Other countries haven't been as receptive as Ethiopia, and many groups are still fighting discrimination against women.