Namati
Namati advances social and environmental justice through grassroots efforts, improving the lives of over 1.5 million people in six countries over the past decade.
History of Namati
Namati has been dedicated to advancing social and environmental justice for over 10 years. Through its persistent efforts, the organization has directly improved the lives and wellbeing of over 1.5 million people. Namati collaborates with members of the Grassroots Justice Network to address justice challenges in six countries, leading to policy improvements that affect millions. The organization's significant work has garnered recognition from entities like the Schwab Foundation, Skoll Foundation, American Bar Association, and Ashoka, and it received an A+ rating from the UK's Department for International Development (DFID).
Namati's Health Justice Initiatives in Mozambique
Namati focuses its health justice efforts in Mozambique, where communities face challenges in accessing adequate healthcare. The organization deploys paralegals who work directly with these communities to identify and resolve breakdowns in healthcare delivery. By collecting data on each case, Namati identifies systemic failures, enabling them to advocate for necessary reforms to improve healthcare services.
Namati's Land and Environmental Justice Programs
Namati works on land and environmental justice issues in India, Kenya, Myanmar, Sierra Leone, and the USA. The organization's paralegals and field researchers in these regions work with affected communities to address environmental violations and non-compliance by industrial activities. In Sierra Leone, Namati helps communities protect their lands and negotiate fair deals with investors, while in Myanmar, they assist small-hold farmers and rural communities in securing the return of seized lands. Furthermore, in the USA, environmental justice organizers address environmental violations related to both private and public projects.
Namati's Citizenship Justice Efforts in Kenya
Namati’s citizenship justice work in Kenya focuses on assisting members of historically marginalized groups to navigate the national identity system. Their efforts help individuals to secure necessary identification documents, such as national IDs, which are crucial for accessing various rights and services. This work is part of Namati’s broader initiative to empower communities by ensuring they can exercise their rights and have a voice in the legal system.
The Grassroots Justice Network
Namati's Grassroots Justice Network is the world's largest network of grassroots justice defenders, comprising over 2,400 member organizations globally. This network facilitates learning and collaboration among justice defenders through online and in-person exchanges. Additionally, the network advocates for policies that create an enabling environment for its members to work effectively and independently. By connecting justice defenders, the network enhances their ability to tackle justice challenges and advance social and environmental justice collectively.