Vivek Maru is an influential American social entrepreneur and human rights activist recognized for his pioneering work in legal empowerment. As the founder and CEO of Namati, established in 2011, he has transformed the landscape of legal advocacy by supporting grassroots legal advocates, often referred to as “barefoot lawyers” or “community paralegals.” These advocates operate in ten countries, empowering communities to safeguard their rights, enforce environmental laws, and secure access to essential services such as healthcare and citizenship.
In a 2014 article, Maru highlighted a significant gap in global development initiatives: the absence of law and justice from key goals. He pointed out that while substantial progress has been made in health, education, and poverty alleviation, access to legal rights and justice remains severely underfunded and overlooked. This revelation catalyzed his commitment to ensuring that every individual has the right to understand the laws that govern them, secure a legal identity, and participate in shaping legal frameworks.
Maru advocates for the belief that law should serve as a tool for empowerment rather than oppression. He emphasizes the importance of legal literacy and the ability of individuals to navigate legal systems effectively, thus enabling them to resolve conflicts fairly and uphold their rights.
Through Namati, Vivek Maru continues to lead a global movement aimed at making justice accessible for all, striving to ensure that legal empowerment is recognized as a fundamental component of human rights and sustainable development.
