After 31 Years, Emebet Zerfu Secures Her Home: A Story of Perseverance and Women’s Property Rights
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. Despite having inheritance documents, tax receipts, and utility bills, the city’s land administration office repeatedly refused her request for the title deed. “They had no reason,” Emebet recalled. “They simply said the land didn’t belong to me.” Astonishingly, the office had been issuing title deeds for similar cases, but her case remained unresolved for decades.
The situation worsened a year ago when her siblings-in-law attempted to claim the title deed for themselves. Emebet described the toll it took: “I spent sleepless nights overwhelmed by fear of losing the house. It cast a shadow over my hope to lead a better life. I was about to give up.”
Her turning point came through women’s self-help groups and the Stand for Her Land Campaign (S4HL), implemented by the Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association (EWLA). Emebet participated in trainings on women’s land rights, legal literacy, and advocacy, which revitalized her determination. “The training enlightened my thinking,” she said. “I realized I had to keep pushing until I secured the title deed.”
Through campaign-supported workshops and policy dialogues, Emebet connected with government officials responsible for land governance. She appealed to higher-level officials in the City’s Land Administration office, requesting a thorough review of her case.
Finally, in September 2025, after more than three decades of persistence, Emebet received her certificate of title deed. “Now, I feel like a true homeowner. I sleep well at night. I can focus on income-generating activities with full energy and courage,” she said.
The Stand for Her Land Campaign, together with EWLA, has implemented numerous community-level initiatives to improve women’s legal literacy and access to land rights. Their comprehensive approach includes joint registration and certification, legal training, community dialogues on social norms, and regional and national advocacy. Emebet has actively participated in learning exchanges and advocacy forums, helping to inspire and empower other women facing similar struggles.
Her story is a powerful testament to perseverance, community support, and the importance of legal empowerment for women.
Emebet actively participates in the Stand for Her Land Campaign along with other partners
More on Women’s Land Rights:
Stand for Her Land campaign, what it is.
Article by French Newsletter La Croix on women land rights and