A new reference guide, “Heirs to the same grace” – Women’s Land Rights from the Perspective of Ethiopian Christianity, explores how Christian teachings and traditions can support women’s land rights in Ethiopia. Developed through a collaborative effort with support from GIZ, the guide examines the role of churches in addressing the gap between national land laws and customary practices that continue to limit women’s access to and control over land.

While Ethiopia has strong legal protections for women’s land rights, many women still face barriers due to deeply rooted social and customary norms. Churches are among the most influential institutions in Ethiopia, with deep cultural roots and trusted leadership that reaches into nearly every community. By working with faith leaders—particularly those in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and the Ethiopian Evangelical Church of Mekane Yesus—advocates for women’s land rights can tap into powerful networks to shift social attitudes and support lasting change.

The guide explores how Christian teachings can align with and reinforce the principles of gender equality in land rights. Drawing on Biblical texts, legal frameworks, and field research from Tigray, SWEPR, and Amhara regions, it highlights how church leaders can serve as key allies in bridging the gap between law and local practice. Grounding women’s land rights in faith and tradition offers a promising path toward greater understanding, reduced conflict, and more equitable communities.

To learn more, you can read the full reference guide and a brief synthesis of the project’s findings and recommendations.