PrORGAM DIRECTor
Tarikawit Fikadu
Tarikawit Fikadu brings over a decade of diverse experience in law, public enterprises, consultancy, and civil society. With a law degree from Wollo University and a Master’s in constitutional law and human rights from Umeå University, Sweden, she serves as Program Director at the Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center (EHRDC). In this role, she oversees programs, represents the center in various networks, and manages projects and training workshops. Tarikawit is also actively involved in community initiatives, serving on boards and contributing to women’s rights through her published papers.
PrORGAM Coordinator
(Senior Advocacy and Communications officer)
Kalkidan Tesfaye
Kalkidan, with BSC degree in Computer Science and Masters in English language and Literature, has a diverse background in program management, communications,advocacy and creative writing. She has collaborated with notable organizations like the UN and EWF in advocating for human rights. At EHRDC, she initially managed the Advocacy and Communications department before being promoted to Program Coordinator. In her current role, she develops effective programs, oversees activities, and manages advocacy and communications strategies, ensuring smooth communication and fostering sustainable partnerships.
Senior program Officer
Bersabeh Solomon
Bersabeh, a seasoned professional in Law, holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees with a specialization in Human Rights Law. Her career includes roles in lecturing and local NGOs, where she demonstrated proficiency in project management and implementation as a Research and Advocacy Coordinator. With a broad skill set and diverse experiences, Bersabeh excels in various realms, continuously advancing her career and contributing significantly to the fields of Law and Human Rights
senior Protection Officer
(&Legal Advisor)
Befikadu (Davi) Diriba
Befekadu Dereba is a Human Rights Lawyer and Protection manager at the Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center (EHRDC). He received his LLB degree from Hawassa University with a gold medal. He specializes in International Human Rights Law from Addis Ababa University and brings a deep understanding of legal frameworks to protect human rights defenders. With over six years of experience, Befekadu is a leading expert in human rights, gender, and digital and physical security for HRDs. His work encompasses training, capacity building, case management, and advocacy. He has worked extensively across Ethiopia, empowering HRDs with the knowledge and tools to safeguard their rights
Advocacy and communications officer
Hana Lale
Hana Lale, a Women’s Rights Activist, is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Human Rights Law at Addis Ababa University. With bachelor’s degrees in law and business management, she brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to her advocacy work. Proficient in advocacy, communication, and campaigning, Hana is also a skilled trainer in advocacy and digital security. Her dedication to promoting and protecting human rights is evident in her ongoing education and commitment to making a difference.
Administrative Coordinator
Leilt Tilahun
Leilt Tilahun is a graduate of law from Haramaya University, and she is currently pursuing a master’s degree in project management from Addis Ababa University. In the year 2022 G.C, Leilt joined the Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center as a project assistant. Then, she was promoted to the position of Administrative Coordinator within the same year. As an Administrative Coordinator, Leilt plays a vital role in ensuring the efficient and effective day-to-day management of EHRDC’s strategic human resources, procurement, and logistical services. Moreover, she is a safeguarding officer, responsible for safeguarding the organization’s stakeholders by ensuring that the center’s safeguarding policy is strictly adhered to by the staff and any other parties who interact with the center.
Protection and Research officer
Noah Yesuf
Noah is a Researcher and Protection Officer at the Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center since October 2022. Prior to his current position, he served as an Assistant Researcher and Trial Monitoring Officer at the Association for Human Rights in Ethiopia. Additionally, Noah worked as an Assistant Lecturer at Wollo University School of Law, where he obtained his Bachelor’s Degree. His responsibilities encompass a wide range of activities including providing human rights education, facilitating debates, conducting assessments and research, drafting press statements, manuals and guidelines, and handling the protection of human rights defenders through case management. Noah has also acquired extensive experience in both national and international moot court and debate competitions.
Senior Finance Officer
Fikadu Dufera
Fikadu has served as the Senior Finance Officer at the Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center since 2021, bringing over 6 years of finance experience from senior positions in both governmental and non-governmental organizations. His expertise spans various aspects of finance, including budgeting, financial planning and analysis, reporting, cash flow management, procurement, risk management, and compliance. In his role at EHRDC, Fikadu plays a vital part in overseeing the organization’s financial operations.
Protection and Research officer
Hewan Ayalew
Hewan Ayalew holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Adams University, which she earned in 2018. Following this, she pursued a Master’s degree in Business Administration, completing her studies in 2020. Throughout her career, Hewan has garnered extensive experience in Accounting, Marketing, and Management, having worked in diverse roles across both private and government sectors. Presently, she serves as a Finance Officer for the Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center
Junior Project Officer
Rediet Gezahegne
Rediet Gezahegn, A Dedicated and Passionate Youth Human Rights and Social Justice Advocate, with a background in law from Hawassa University. as a Junior project officer, she is working in the design and implementation of different projects, in addition to this she assist Protection and Advocacy department as well. Her commitment to promoting justice and equality drives her to continuously strive for positive change in her society. Rediet has also acquired extensive experience in Participating and Organizing different moot court competitions, Human right advocacy and Inclusive peace building activities.
Finance and Admin assistant
Natnael Tilahun
Natnael Tilahun, an honour student and recent graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance, has joined the EHRDC team as a Finance and Admin Assistant. His journey began as an intern where he demonstrated exceptional performance, leading to his subsequent hiring. Natnael brings not only academic excellence but also dedication and drive to his role, supporting the finance and administrative functions of the organization as a valued member of the team.