Hello I’m Dr. Tabeth Masengu!
I have a joint Doctor of Laws degree from Ghent University and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Cape Town.
I am Director of Advocacy and Lobbying at EU-CORD, where I coordinate strategic engagement with EU institutions for a network of 25 European development NGOs working globally. I lead advocacy on development cooperation, humanitarian policy, and human rights – lobbying EU Parliament across political groups, engaging Members of the European Parliament and the Commission, and building coalitions around gender justice, climate crisis, and policy coherence for development.
But my path to Brussels was shaped by over a decade of field-based work across Sub-Saharan Africa.
The Journey: From Field to Policy
My career has been defined by a commitment to bridging research, policy, and practice:
Current (2021-Present): EU Advocacy Leadership
As Advocacy Coordinator (2021-2024) and now Director (2025-present) at EU-CORD, I’ve spent four years navigating EU institutional processes, building cross-party coalitions, and translating field realities into policy advocacy that shapes how Europe engages with the world.
Research & Consulting (2020-2022): European Institutions
As Scientific Expert for the Council of Europe’s CEPEJ, I conducted research on gender equality in judiciaries across 47 member states. As consultant for the European University Institute, I analyzed citizenship law in Malawi. As election support trainer for IFES, I built capacity for Zambia’s Electoral Commission on conflict management.
Academic & Field Work (2012-2019): Sub-Saharan Africa
Eight years at the University of Cape Town’s Democratic Governance and Rights Unit, leading research on gender equality and judicial governance across Southern, East, and West Africa. I facilitated 40+ workshops, managed multi-donor projects, built partnerships with judicial institutions and civil society organizations, and published extensively on gender transformation in legal systems.
PhD Research (2016-2020): Bridging Continents
Joint doctorate from Ghent University (Belgium) and University of Cape Town (South Africa) examining gender transformation in African judiciaries. This unique co-badged degree positioned me to understand both African realities and European academic/policy contexts.
Foundation (2007-2012): Legal Practice & HIV/AIDS Advocacy
Admitted as attorney in South Africa (2010). Project Manager at Treatment Action Campaign, coordinating partnerships with UNAIDS, DFID, Global Fund. Masters in Human Rights Law from London School of Economics (Cum Laude, 2011).