Bethlehem Mengistu has more than 10 years’ experience in the development sector, with special focus on gender equality, human rights, good governance and provision of basic needs and services. She has worked within senior roles for organizations such as WaterAid, Care International, Action Aid and notable grassroots women’s organizations in East Africa. Bethlehem has a solid experience in programme management, strategic campaigning and advocacy and policy analysis.

Her educational background is in Law and Sociology and currently she is pursuing an MSc in Sustainable Development from SOAS (UK). She also is an active member of the Network of Ethiopian Women’s Associations, a local women’s empowerment grassroots organization and considers herself to be a lifelong advocate of gender equality and human rights.