DSpace Collection: Thesis-Gender studies

AN ASSESSMENT OF CAUSES OF RAPE AND ITS SOCIO-HEALTH EFFECTS: THE CASE OF FEMALE VICTIMS IN KIRKOS SUB-CITY, ADDIS ABABA

Tue, 22 May 2012 14:52:53 GMT

Title: AN ASSESSMENT OF CAUSES OF RAPE AND ITS SOCIO-HEALTH EFFECTS: THE CASE OF FEMALE VICTIMS IN KIRKOS SUB-CITY, ADDIS ABABA

Authors: SINIDU, FEKADU

Abstract: The study has focused on the causes of rape and its socio-health effects. Moreover, it attempted to identify the demographic profile of rapists from victims’ point of view and coping mechanisms that victims used to adjust themselves with the problems they encountered due to rape. The target population of the study is females who are victims of rape in ‘kirkos’ sub-city. The researcher employed qualitative data in which in-depth interview and key informants interview were held to collect comprehensive and detailed information. The study has found that all causes of rape are the manifestation of unequal power relation between men and women. Patriarchy and gender role socialization were prominent issues that have emerged as a major cause of rape. The study has also found out that poverty is one of the causes as well as the consequence of rape. The study has found that the stigma and wrong perceptions associated with raped females are identified as major challenges to seek help from legal bodies and health institutions. Furthermore, the thesis found evidence that the difficulty in protecting women’s human rights and bring rapists for prosecution are laid on the weakness of law enactment bodies; delayed reaction of the court, being reluctant and undisciplined acts were identified as contributory factors that discourage actual and potential victims to report to the legal bodies. Thus, it increases more number of offenders and potential rapists as the crime kept as secret. Lack of information and supervision, strategies used by rapists to commit rape and using alcohol/drugs were also explored as causes of rape. The study has found that rape has a devastating effect on victims’ social, physical, psychological, educational and economical well beings. Unwanted pregnancy, abortion and sexually transmitted disease like HIV/AIDS are the immediate consequences of rape. All impacts left deep and lasting consequences on the mental health of the victims, their families as well as the society as a whole.

THE IMPACT OF TRADITIONAL GENDER ROLE SOCIALIZATION ON GENDER INEQUALITY IN PRIMARY EDUCATION: A CASE STUDY IN BATI WOREDA/OROMIA SPECIAL ZONE, AMHARA REGION

Tue, 22 May 2012 14:46:36 GMT

Title: THE IMPACT OF TRADITIONAL GENDER ROLE SOCIALIZATION ON GENDER INEQUALITY IN PRIMARY EDUCATION: A CASE STUDY IN BATI WOREDA/OROMIA SPECIAL ZONE, AMHARA REGION

Authors: WENDMAGEGN, BAYE

Abstract: The general objective is to create understanding on how the existing traditional gender role socialization is the cause for the existing gender inequality in primary education in research Woreda. A combination of quantitative and qualitative methods employed, basically the qualitative one. Children, in their primary school age, have learnt/nurtured their personal gender behaviour and practices in their locality by different gender socialization institutions (family, community, religion, schools) or actors that act simultaneously, function in different forms and mutually reinforcing through different means. Consequently, the primary education system that has been established with the responsibility of cultivating the new generation with modern way of thinking is actually working its part in reinforcing and perpetuating the existing traditional gender socialization through the education policy and the primary school environment means. Hence, children learnt their gender identities by observing their role model experiences, studying behaviours and practices in the form of stories, jokes, playing together, music, drama, art, pictures. Subsequently, children learning and practising their socially assigned gender specific gender roles makes a gender difference in boys’ and girls’ education performances. For instance, commonly girls migrate to Jeddah to be domestic servant; and boys to Afar Region and Djibouti for generating additional income for their family; that was one of the major causes for students school drop out in the research Woreda. The common educational indicators trends in research Woreda showed an increase in enrolment rate, decrease in drop out and in repetition rates. Whereas, the qualitative finding asserted that those nominal educational statistical progresses do not mean an increase in qualitative of education. Besides, when these trends analysed and interpreted from gender perspective, the five years trends in school enrolment and repetition for girls’ and boys’ showed almost a proportional result. While, the schools’ drop out trend showed boys were the most affected than girls’. This signifies that in the existing traditional gender role socialization, though girls are the most affected, boys are also affected in their primary education. Furthermore, equality in quantity (in enrolment) is not enough for achieving gender equality in education, unless the quality of education is maintained In general, gender equality is an important aspect of ‘quality of education’. But, gender equality in primary education cannot be assumed without engendering the gender socializing agents primarily. Hence, to mainstream gender in the primary education system, all socializing agents need to be first gender friendly; and holistic, strategic approaches are imperatives in a given locality

THE ROLE OF MICROFINANCE IN EMPOWERING WOMEN IN ADDIS ABABA

Tue, 22 May 2012 14:16:30 GMT

Title: THE ROLE OF MICROFINANCE IN EMPOWERING WOMEN IN ADDIS ABABA

Authors: MERON, HAILESELASSIE

Abstract: It is widely accepted that women are central to household well-being and national economic development. However, the role of women is impeded because they generally hold a low status in many developing countries. Owing to historical and cultural disadvantages, women are also more vulnerable to poverty. In addition to being a human rights issue, the prevailing condition of women calls for taking measures to empower them. The empowerment of women is also the basis for transforming lives at the household level and in the wider society. In this regard, the delivery of microfinance is one of the approaches to the empowerment of women. This study has the objective of assessing the impact of microfinance in the empowerment of women. It recognizes the multidimensional nature of empowerment as a process involving personal, social, economic and political dimensions. The research was conducted at the Specialized Financial and Promotional Institution (SFPI). The researcher used both qualitative and quantitative methods to obtain a reliable data. Data were derived from a questionnaire survey of a sample of 373 women clients of the SFPI. In addition, three focus group discussions were conducted involving 18 women while in-depth interviews were carried out with another 12. The study establishes that improved access to microfinance has been able to empower women economically. Although the results vary, the study indicated that the income and saving levels of the majority of the clients have increased after the delivery of microfinance. Encouraging results have also been shown in the enhancement of the women s of self-confidence with respect to the capability to work on their own and improve their lives. On the other hand, there is no indication of an enhancement in the decision making power of women and in their political empowerment as reflected in respect for their legal rights, ownership of household assets and holding of political positions. In addition, the delivery of microfinance has failed to bring about changes in their decision making at the household level. The study recognizes the limits of the transformative capacities of microfinance and it shows that financial empowerment does not necessarily lead to a transformation in gender relationships which is a basis for the overall empowerment of women.

WOMEN'S DECISION-MAKING IN THE HOUSEHOLD: THE CASE OF WOMEN PETTY TRADERS IN 'GULELLE' SUB-CITY, Addis Ababa

Tue, 22 May 2012 13:42:47 GMT

Title: WOMEN'S DECISION-MAKING IN THE HOUSEHOLD: THE CASE OF WOMEN PETTY TRADERS IN 'GULELLE' SUB-CITY, Addis Ababa

Authors: DARARE, YOHANNES

Abstract: The present study examines the impact of income earning on the decision-making power of women in the household and its contribution to the well being of children as well as other household members. The study participants are 16 women petty traders from 'Gullell Sub-city of Addis Ababa Administrative zone, who are at wedlock, within the age range of 25-55 and who have at list one child residing with them. Feminist research approach is applied guided by the gender stratification theory. Data was collected through participant observation, interviews and a focus group discussion informed by critical feminist ethnographer's principles. The study reveals that the income earning of women petty traders has contributed to their decision-making power in the household. It further discloses that income earning of the women has complex and contradictory effect. Although it has improved the status of the women, in some instances it has created burden on the live of women. The study reveals that income and the gendered ideologies matters in the household decision-making. The less important household matters such as house management (gender roles of women) are left to the exclusive decisions of women where as, in the important household matters such as control of household resources (capital, assets) etc. the negotiating power of women in the decision-making processes is influenced by the gendered ideologies in addition to their income contribution.