The University of South Africa (Unisa) is set to welcome Honourable Lady Justice Meaza Ashenafi Mengistu, the former president of the Federal Supreme Court of Ethiopia, as the keynote speaker for its 2024 Annual Flagship Founders Lecture.
This prestigious event will take place on Thursday, 28 November 2024, at the Unisa Muckleneuk Campus in Pretoria, under the thought-provoking theme: “Delivering Justice in Africa – Are women active or passive agents?”
Since its inception in 2003, the Unisa Founders’ Lecture has provided a vital platform for discourse on critical issues in higher education, stimulating engagement among the university community and its stakeholders. With an impressive roster of notable scholars and thought leaders, the lecture series has established itself as a premier forum for intellectual exchange at both national and global levels.
Justice Mengistu stands out not only as Ethiopia’s first female Chief Justice but also as a formidable advocate for women’s rights. Her pioneering spirit led her to co-found the Ethiopian Women Lawyers’ Association (EWLA) in 1995, an organisation that has provided vital legal support to women who cannot afford representation. Mengistu's unwavering commitment to gender equality transformed the legal landscape for women in Ethiopia.
Her landmark case in 1996 remains a defining moment in her career. Justice Mengistu took on the plight of a 14-year-old girl who impulsively shot a man who had abducted her with the intention of marrying her.
This courageous act led to Mengistu defending the girl pro bono, successfully arguing the case as an act of self-defence. The outcome not only exonerated the girl but also catalysed the Ethiopian government’s decision to abolish the abhorrent practice of child marriage through abduction.
Justice Mengistu's journey has been marked by continuous growth and recognition. After earning her Bachelor of Law in 1986, she pursued a Master of Arts in International Relations with a focus on Gender Studies from the University of Connecticut, backed by a UNESCO scholarship. Her ensuing roles with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and recognition as a Women’s Human Rights Advisor underscore her impact on gender and social policy across Africa. In 2015, she was even nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, a testament to her commitment to justice and equality.
Upon her appointment in 2018 as the president of the Federal Supreme Court, Mengistu focused on enhancing coordination within Ethiopia's justice system, especially in the realms of criminal justice and constitutional law. Her leadership has been acknowledged through various accolades, including selection for Advance Media’s 100 Most Influential African Women and the Women of Courage for Ethiopia Award from the United States Government.
Set in the Function Hall on the fourth floor of the Kgorong Building at Unisa’s Main Campus, the lecture is scheduled to commence at 5.30pm, offering an unmissable opportunity for those interested in the evolution of justice in Africa and the pivotal role of women within this narrative.
Pretoria News