Together, we build a better future.
As part of Habitat for Humanity, we are always passionate about the value of a decent shelter and its positive impact on the lives of families and communities. We believe that the critical challenges related to housing and basic services can be mitigated through collaborative efforts from all stakeholders in the sector.
A New Beginning for 28 families in Dire Dawa
In partnership with Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia, the Dire Dawa City Administration, and the local community, 28 families have transitioned into safe and decent housing. The families moved into their new homes during a colorful and joyous home dedication ceremony attended by Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International, senior leaders from the Habitat for Humanity Africa Area Office, community members, and high-ranking government officials.
For years, these families lived in slum-like conditions without access to clean water, sanitation, or electricity. Many households are female-headed, include persons living with disabilities, or have elderly members—facing precarious livelihoods and significant health risks. Find more on Dire Dewa housing.
Stand for Her Land Campaign in Ethiopia
Stand for Her Land (S4HL) Ethiopia-Advancing Women’s Land Rights (2022–2026)
Stand for Her Land (S4HL) Ethiopia is a national campaign working to ensure rural women can own, access, and make decisions about the land they cultivate. Launched in 2022, the campaign addresses the gap between progressive land laws and the everyday realities faced by women at community level. Through a strong coalition of 25 civil society organizations, S4HL Ethiopia combines policy advocacy, community mobilization, media engagement, and legal support to advance Women’s Land Rights (WLR) across the country.
Her rights. Her land. A better future for all.
Emebet’s journey to secure her home
Emebet Zerfu finally secured the title deed to her house in Bishoftu after 31 years of navigating bureaucratic hurdles and legal battles—a victory made possible through her involvement in the Stand for Her Land Campaign in Ethiopia.
The journey began decades ago when Emebet’s husband inherited a house from his father. Tragically, he passed away before officially registering the title deed in his name. Soon after, Emebet faced threats from her siblings-in-law, who claimed the house belonged to their father, seeking to assert heir rights.
Through a long and challenging legal process, Emebet won the case, temporarily securing the house. Yet, the title deed—the ultimate proof of legal ownership—remained out of reach. More on how Emebet secured her home.
Stand for Her Land Project (S4HL) Milestones
The Stand for Her Land (S4HL) campaign in Ethiopia, led by Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia, is a nationwide advocacy initiative aimed at advancing women’s land and property rights through coordinated policy engagement, capacity building, and public awareness. The campaign works closely with coalition members, government institutions, civil society, media, faith leaders, and grassroots women to promote gender-transformative land governance. Key activities include advocacy strategy trainings, policy forums on land proclamations, media roundtables, national and international engagements, and participation in major platforms such as African Union meetings, climate summits, and global conferences. These efforts strengthen legal literacy, amplify women’s voices, and influence the implementation of land policies that ensure equitable access, control, and decision-making power for women.
Stories from Our Work
Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia’s National Director, Yitna Tekaligne, shares key insights on Ethiopia’s housing situation in his interview with BBC Focus on Africa. He highlights the urgent needs on the ground and the collective actions required to create lasting, sustainable change. Watch the interview👉
New Home, New Hope!
With support from generous partners, Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia assists families to move to new houses, access better opportunities and lead dignified life. We run diverse and integrated projects tailored to address the housing needs of families affected by various forms of vulnerabilities. In one year, we supported more than 50 families to move to new homes, enhancing their health, safety and better living conditions.
Empowering students as WASH Champions
In April 2025, Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia, in collaboration with the Legedadi Sub-City Women and Social Affairs Office, led a vibrant school-based awareness campaign to promote Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) practices.
Held on 10–11 April at Waberi Primary and Legedadi Secondary Schools in Legedadi a Sub-City in Sheger City, Oromia Regional State, the campaign aligned with International Women’s Month 2025, which was commemorated under the theme “For ALL Women & Girls: Rights. Health. Education.”
I can proudly speak this is my home.
Behailu Gebremickael, a son of Korean War Veteran, lived in the old house for 46 years. He is a guard at private firm; his income is not sufficient to lead his life. He used to live in old and deteriorated house with leaking roof, broken walls, and floor. He had no alternative income to renovate the old house or construct a new one. Thanks to LG Electronics support to realize ‘Life’s Good: Hope Village’ Housing and WASH Project, Bahailu and other families have just moved to houses. Bahailu speaks about the the difference a new home can make:
Impact of Our Work
Families get access to safe water through WASH Program
24000
Families moved to new houses in urban and semi-urban areas
2800
Families reached through improved sanitation and live in healthy environment
43000
Community members supported through Disaster risk reduction WASH construction
35000
Families assisted through non-food items
58000
People received hygiene awareness and capacity building trainings
80000
More Stories from Our Work
Debre Berhan-Emproved Energy for homes
Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia provides improved energy saving stoves to families who have no alternatives for energy at household level in the town of Debere Berhan and neighbouring localities. Etegegn Bekele is one of family heads who started to use improved stove. ‘’The new stove saves not only saves firewood but improves health condition,’’ Etagegn Bekele said.
Assisting Families to Build Their Future
Not Just a toilet!
Genet Sherif is one of the mothers who are struggling to make a living for their families with meagre income in Addis Ababa, Lideta Sub City. She has two sons; one of them is daily laborer and the other do not have job. Genet and her family live in the area for 30 years.
Improved sanitation for female students
Families who live in Lege-Tafo Legedadi do not have proper sanitation facilities; this in turn exposes them to health and safety risks. Female students from these families face challenges both at home and in school.