Our History

Ratson Women, Youth, and Children Development Program is an indigenous, non-profit organization established in 1995. It was officially re-registered as a local organization and granted legal personality on July 31, 2019, under registration number 0070. Ratson is legally licensed to implement comprehensive, holistic development programs across Ethiopia, with a primary focus on children, youth, and women. Its areas of operation include the Amhara, Sidama, SNNP, and Oromia Regional States, as well as the Addis Ababa City Administration, and Finfinnee surrounding Oromia special zones where there is a demonstrated need to combat poverty and drive sustainable development.

"Children are the center of our work!"

Ratson recognizes that local civil society organizations have both a legal and moral obligation to ensure a safe and secure working environment for their staff, and a duty of care towards all community members, particularly vulnerable groups. In line with this commitment, Ratson has developed a comprehensive Child and Vulnerable Adult Safeguarding Policy, ensuring clear guidelines and actions to protect the well-being of children and at-risk adults in all of its operations.

To address social and economic development challenges in its focus areas, Ratson has designed and implemented a range of impactful programs and projects. Key areas of intervention include:

Investment in education, particularly Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) and second chance
Promotion of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives
Capacity development for women and youth
Advocacy for children’s rights and promotion of their meaningful participation
Use of accessible digital technologies to enhance program delivery
Combatting harmful traditional practices (HTPs)
Livelihood improvement and value chain development

Ratson remains dedicated to building resilient communities and contributing to the national effort to eliminate poverty and foster inclusive, equitable development.

Ratson is a membership-based organization, guided by a structured governance system composed of the General Assembly (GA), Board of Directors (BoD), and the Executive Management Team.

General Assembly (GA): The highest governing body of the organization, the GA holds the ultimate decision-making authority on all strategic and policy matters. It elects the Board of Directors and approves major plans and reports.
Board of Directors (BoD): Elected by the GA, the Board provides strategic oversight and policy guidance to the executive management. It also monitors the organization’s performance and ensures alignment with its mission. Members of the Board serve voluntarily and are subject to re-nomination or termination every two years.
Executive Management Team: Led by the Executive Director, the management team is responsible for day-to-day operations, including program implementation, financial management, and administrative coordination. The Executive Director, appointed by the Board, is supported by a Deputy Director and department heads. Together, they ensure smooth execution of organizational mandates.

Currently, Ratson has 52 full-time staff members (30 of whom are female). Its head office is located in Bishoftu; however, the organization does not yet own a dedicated office compound.

While Ratson’s existing organizational structure has proven efficient, the Strategic Plan recommends expanding the organogram to better align with current and anticipated programmatic and administrative needs. This includes strengthening human resource management and enhancing information flow across the organization. With a competent and committed team, Ratson continues to expand its impact by:

Strengthening institutional systems and governance structures;
Building strategic partnerships with donors, government agencies, and civil society organizations;
Advocating for social justice, gender equality, and inclusive development;
Embracing innovation, including the use of digital technology to improve access, efficiency, and outreach.

Ratson’s strategic priorities reflect both its grassroots understanding and its alignment with national and global development agendas, positioning it as a key actor in Ethiopia’s journey toward sustainable transformation.