Gender Studies

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Impact of Development-Induced Displacement on Female Headed Households in Inner City Slum Areas of Addis Ababa: The Case of Sheraton Addis Expansion Project
(Addis Ababa University, 2007-02) Melesse, Etenesh; Rocha, Elaine P.(PhD)
Development–induced displacements dismantle stable life of a community and if not carried out properly result in involuntary resettlements. Involuntary resettlements usually adversely affect the most vulnerable and marginalized groups in a society. The main focus of this study is to identify the potential impact of development-induced displacement on female-headed households based on a case study in inner city slum areas in Addis. In general as the literature shows involuntary resettlements result in further impoverishments or deteriorations of the livelihood of the poor and vulnerable groups, among them female-headed households are the most affected. The issue of displacement especially in urban areas in Ethiopia is a recent phenomenon and the gender aspects of it have not been adequately discussed in past studies. This paper shows that the effects of displacement as revealed in the case study are also similar to that of other countries as stated in the literature. The paper also highlights some of the gender issues in relation to urban development-induced displacements and resettlements in Addis. The research is based on in-depth interview with purposely selected fifteen female household heads and a sample survey on 102 (51 female and 51 male) households purposely selected slum area designated for Sheraton Addis Expansion Project (the former Woreda 14 kebele 21, 22&25 in ‘Arada’ and ‘Kirkos’ sub cities). It examines the livelihoods of slum dwellers in general and female-headed households in particular. The findings indicate that illiteracy rates among women are higher compared to their male counterparts. Most female household heads are engaged in home based income-generating activities and their incomes are less compared to their male counterparts. Mutual support groups have high priorities among the poor in slum areas and especially women value and depend more on these organizations. Analyses of conditions of houses also show that female-headed households occupy poor quality houses. Displacements, which can be regarded as shocks to their livelihoods further, aggravate their conditions. Female-headed households, which have dual responsibilities due to their gender roles as care taker of the household and income earner, lose their site related socio-economic advantages after relocation. They are not able to continue their existing engagements in the new resettlement site and they also incur additional transport costs to reach working place or to access basic services. Resettlement at different sites or to the outskirts of the city also result in loss of their mutual support groups and affects women’s safety and constrains their mobility which in turn limit their participation in economic activity. At present, however, no proper preparation and implementation tools are there on the part of the city government. Though there are policy guidelines, rules and regulations regarding women both at national and regional level they are not adequately incorporated in the city government’s plans, strategy and programs. IDevelopment–induced displacements dismantle stable life of a community and if not carried out properly result in involuntary resettlements. Involuntary resettlements usually adversely affect the most vulnerable and marginalized groups in a society. The main focus of this study is to identify the potential impact of development-induced displacement on female-headed households based on a case study in inner city slum areas in Addis. In general as the literature shows involuntary resettlements result in further impoverishments or deteriorations of the livelihood of the poor and vulnerable groups, among them female-headed households are the most affected. The issue of displacement especially in urban areas in Ethiopia is a recent phenomenon and the gender aspects of it have not been adequately discussed in past studies. This paper shows that the effects of displacement as revealed in the case study are also similar to that of other countries as stated in the literature. The paper also highlights some of the gender issues in relation to urban development-induced displacements and resettlements in Addis. The research is based on in-depth interview with purposely selected fifteen female household heads and a sample survey on 102 (51 female and 51 male) households purposely selected slum area designated for Sheraton Addis Expansion Project (the former Woreda 14 kebele 21, 22&25 in ‘Arada’ and ‘Kirkos’ sub cities). It examines the livelihoods of slum dwellers in general and female-headed households in particular. The findings indicate that illiteracy rates among women are higher compared to their male counterparts. Most female household heads are engaged in home based income-generating activities and their incomes are less compared to their male counterparts. Mutual support groups have high priorities among the poor in slum areas and especially women value and depend more on these organizations. Analyses of conditions of houses also show that female-headed households occupy poor quality houses. Displacements, which can be regarded as shocks to their livelihoods further, aggravate their conditions. Female-headed households, which have dual responsibilities due to their gender roles as care taker of the household and income earner, lose their site related socio-economic advantages after relocation. They are not able to continue their existing engagements in the new resettlement site and they also incur additional transport costs to reach working place or to access basic services. Resettlement at different sites or to the outskirts of the city also result in loss of their mutual support groups and affects women’s safety and constrains their mobility which in turn limit their participation in economic activity. At present, however, no proper preparation and implementation tools are there on the part of the city government. Though there are policy guidelines, rules and regulations regarding women both at national and regional level they are not adequately incorporated in the city government’s plans, strategy and programs. Implementation strategies do not consider interests, needs and capabilities of female-headed households, as they do not get voice in urban representation and in urban planning and implementations. In general the issue of gender has not been properly mainstreamed in each sector programs.mplementation strategies do not consider interests, needs and capabilities of female-headed households, as they do not get voice in urban representation and in urban planning and implementations. In general the issue of gender has not been properly mainstreamed in each sector programs.The process of displacement and resettlement, which does not consider the needs and interests of women and implemented in line with gender neutral strategies and guidelines do not bring about sustainable development. Therefore there is a need for a concerted effort on the part of all concerned to ameliorate the negative consequences of development-induced displacements on vulnerable groups such as female-headed households
Domestic Violence against Women: The Case Study of Kolfe Keranyo Sub-City
(Addis Ababa University, 2007-03) Mulatu, Sosena; Rocha, Elaine P.(PhD)
Domestic violence against women is one of the most pervasive human right violations, social and health problem. However, studies on the issues are recent phenomena, particularly in developing countries like Ethiopia; there is still lack of basic information on the magnitude, the understanding of its root causes and the factor that prevent it. Despite the limited research, there are some studies, police and media reports indicate that its prevalence and seriousness in the country. The study was conducted with the objective of exploring and gaining insight into women’s experiences of violence in their own words; therefore, the researcher primarily used qualitative methodology, based on feminist perspectives. It was conducted at Kolfe Keranyo sub-city between September and November of 2006, involving women victims of domestic violence who were clients of EWLA, married women, legal enforcers and coordinator of legal aid at EWLA. Three focus group discussion and 15 in-depth interviews were carried out with purposely selected subject. Moreover, as supplementary survey has been conducted in Kolfe Keranyo sub-city. The surveys utilized a questionnaire administered to 150 married women. The result revealed those women’s accounts of abuse is a complex phenomenon because it includes various forms, ranging from humiliation, threats and social isolation to forced sex and battering. Violence against women runs along a range, often escalating from milder forms to more serious acts. The finding indicates that men who are physically abusive are also psychologically, economically and sexually abusive. In this study, poverty and transgressions of gender role were found to be as the main cause of domestic violence. Alcoholism, jealousy and masculinity linked to dominance were also mentioned as factors of violence. In fact all of the causes are interrelated and the manifestation of unequal power relationship between women and men. Domestic violence has profound consequences on women’s overall well-being. The experience of domestic violence puts women at greater risk of physical, social, mental and health problems, and lately transmission of HIV/AIDS. With regard to response to domestic violence, the study shows that most abused women are not passive victims but rather adopt active strategies to maximize their and their children safety. It includes avoiding, enduring, and some fighting back while still others attempt to keep the peace by giving in to their husbands’ demands. A women's response to abuse is often limited by the options available to them. Where women sought help, they primarily turned to informal sources of support, particularly family, friends, and neighbors rather than to formal sources. The findings revealed that they didn't mostly receive the kind of support or service they needed. Despite many obstacles, there were women decided permanently to leave the violent husbands. Divorce is one of the active coping strategies for abused women; however, after divorce they face a lot of social and economic problem. In general, although domestic violence is serious problem, it is still largely considered as 'norm' and private matter. Thus, in Ethiopia by giving visibility to the experience of abused women this study aims to contribute for new and broader polices to prevent it
Being a Woman and Living With HIV/AIDS: Socio-Cultural and Economic Problems Affecting Women Living With HIV/AIDS in Arada Sub-City, Addis Ababa
(Addis Ababa University, 2007-03) Mehary, Nebyu; Wondimu, Habtamu(PhD)
The study has focused on identifying the socio-cultural and economic challenges encountering women living with HIV/AIDS, coping strategies, their basic needs, their roles in the prevention efforts and factors that make women vulnerable to HIV infection. The target population of the study is mainly women living with HIV/AIDS. In-depth interviews, group discussions and a questionnaire are employed to collect data. The study has found that poverty, in association with other socio-cultural factors, is one of the major factors that increase women's vulnerability. The study has also shown that women living with HIV/AIDS face severe socio-cultural and economic problems. Stigma and discrimination are identified as the major challenges that WLWHA are facing. The study has found that the participants employ a variety of strategies to cope with socio-cultural, economic and emotional challenges. A majority of the participants visit religious sites for Holy waters and they turn to religion and prayers. Disclosure of one’s HIV status to support institutions and denial to neighbors and family members is also employed in order to cope up with socio-cultural and economic challenges. The study has also assessed the major needs of the participants. Some of the major needs are financial assistance, employment opportunities, access to healthcare services, housing, food aid, support for their children, social acceptance, and emotional support. The study has found that women living with HIV/AIDS have been playing significant roles in the prevention and control efforts. Their roles range from protecting others by implementing precautions to a wide range of participation in awareness creation programs. However, there are still obstacles that have deterred the roles. These obstacles include stigma and discrimination, pressures from husbands or sexual partners, household burdens, health problems, and limited knowledge on how to participate in the prevention efforts
The Role of Gender in the Provision Of Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Services The Case of Achefer and Yilmana Densa Communities of Amhara Region
(Addis Ababa University, 2007-04) Mamo, Berhanu; Admassie, Yeraswork (PhD)
The sustainability of rural water supply and sanitation services depends on many interrelated factors such as the policy environment, institutional management, financial and economic issues, spare- part supply and maintenance, monitoring systems, and environmental related issues. However, despite all of these factors, the true participation and ownership of users, especially the role of women are the most essential ones. The aim of this research was to investigate the relevance of gender for the sustainability of rural water supply and sanitation services and to identify the structural factors that exacerbate women’s and men’s unequal participation in the management of rural water supply and sanitation projects. To this end, the study was undertaken in four rural water supply and sanitation projects among rural communities of Achefer and Yilmana Densa communities of Amhara Region by applying qualitative and quantitative methods. The findings of the study reveal that gender plays significant roles in sustaining rural water supply and sanitation services. The women and men of the research areas were equally involved in the various phases of the projects, from inception to implementation. The role of women in project implementation was remarkable; where as it was low in the management of the schemes. Water supply and sanitation management committees were generally dominated by men. The participation of women both in decision-making and their numerical representation in water committees were lower than that of men due to impeding structural factors. The study also discloses that the power relation between female and male water supply and sanitation committee members is unbalanced. Though women play important role in taking care of their water supply and sanitation services, their contributions are little appreciated by the member of their communities and their representation in water supply and sanitation management committees are perceived as the fulfillment of the requirement set by support agencies to do so. Provision of water supply and sanitation services are not merely technical issues. They have social and gender aspects that are crucial for their sustainability. Yet, such aspects are given less attention in the research areas..
The Economic, Social and Psychological Aspects of Post-Divorce Problems of Women in Addis Ababa; The Case of Women that Came to Ewla
(Addis Ababa University, 2007-04) Argaw, Selome
Gender Issues In Civil Service Reform: The Case of Three Federal Ministries of Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2007-04) Zeleke, Almaz; Biru, Tadesse (PhD)
The objective of this research is to assess how gender issues are addressed in the Civil Service Reform Sub-Programs by taking the cases of selected sample ministries, which are Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Finance And Economic Development and Ministry of Trade And Industry. To meet the objective of this research data were collected from primary and secondary sources. The primary data were gathered through sets of questionnaire distributed to 150 randomly selected employees, but 131 were collected. The researcher also conducted interviews with six officials of the Reform Offices and Women’s Affairs Departments of the sample ministries. Furthermore, observation was made in those ministries. What is more, relevant documents and journals were used as sources of data. The goal of the Civil Service Reform Program is to upgrade the capacity of government institutions so that they can provide efficient and effective services to the public. The attainment of this goal calls for the development and change in the current situation of their employees. In this perspective, the implementation of the Program has been assessed in three Sub-programs of the reform. In the Human Resources Management Sub-program, the findings indicated that the result- oriented performance appraisal system has not considered the reproductive role of women. Similarly, the Affirmative Action, which is supposed to benefit women, does not have clear action plan and is not properly implemented. It is not even familiar to most women employees of these ministries. Furthermore, this sub-program has not facilitated any mechanism towards the career development of employees. The findings also have shown that the Top Management Sub-program has not done much on gender. Thus, the higher officials have paid less attention to gender while accomplishing their leadership role. It was found that sufficient effort has not been made to bring more women to the top positions to narrow the existing gender gap. The Service Delivery Sub-program of these sample ministries is found to be encouraging in general. However, they have not made any special consideration to treat their female customers, as observed in one of these ministries. The findings also revealed that the Women’s Affairs Departments have weak work relations with the Reform Offices. Due to this and other reasons, they are unable to implement gender mainstreaming. Besides this, it was found that the Reform Office heads and their staff have no gender knowledge and skills. They have also no clear guideline to carryout gender mainstreaming duties in their activities. Finally, based on the findings and the conclusion drawn, recommendations were forwarded regarding the need for gender mainstreaming in the Civil Service Reform Program
Gender Issues and Women’s Portrayal in Secular Amharic Songs Produced in Cassettes (in 1997 E.C.)
(Addis Ababa University, 2007-05) Yohannes, Tsion; W/Mariam, Hirut (PhD)
This study explored the content of 653 Amharic songs produced in cassettes in 1997 E.C. in order to assess women’s portrayal and existing gender issues in the lyrics. The songs were analyzed based on a coding sheet that was developed using 16 physical traits, 19 personality traits and 3 variables on division of labor related to women. In addition, in-depth interviews were undertaken with 10 songwriters in order to assess what affects the content of songs, and to study women’s role in writing lyrics. The results show that the most dominant song types are songs on romantic love at 72.3%, while the least frequent song types are songs on unromantic love amounting to 1.8%. The result also revealed that the most frequent value in regards to personality traits is portrayal of the woman as dependent. This was found in 84 songs or 12.9% of the whole. Women were presented with both positive and negative connotations. However, from the cumulative sum of the portrayals, the study generally affirmed the assumption that women’s portrayal in Amharic songs produced during in 1997 E.C. is more negative than positive. This means that women are more portrayed as untrustworthy, dependent, irrational, incompetent, cruel, careless, haughty, jealous and as quitters than as trustworthy, independent, assertive, and fulfilling. Concerning division of labor, women were also portrayed as engaging mainly in domestic responsibilities than in the public sphere. In relation to women’s power over the messages transmitted through this media, it is also found out that women play limited roles (being only 6.9 % of the songwriters in 1997 E.C.).Therefore, this shows that what is considered to be women’s experience is more expressed by men than women. The study also showed that women singers more than male singers, were found to transmit negative portrayals of women in relation to such traits as dependence, and incompetence. On the other hand, women singers were also observed portraying women more as assertive, and trustworthy. This shows that women are socialized into accepting and reflecting such definitions. Therefore, there is a need to increase women’s confidence with regard to their capacity and skills. Generally, the study is significant in its contribution as a background information for further studies aimed at assessing the effect of songs on the public, and on how women’s portrayal in songs affects women’s role in the public sphere
Involving the Other Gender Men’s Insights into Women Reproductive Health and Rights in Woliso Town
(Addis Ababa University, 2007-05) Tessema, Alemu; Tadele, Getenet (PhD)
Reproductive health and rights are affected by societal norms and value systems that indicate ideal behaviors for men and women, and therefore, it is a gender issue. Much of the responsibilities of reproductive health lie on women. On the other hand, reproductive and sexual rights are in the hands of men. In most instances issues relating to reproductive health are left for women, and men participation and involvement has been given little attention. Therefore, the current study is an outcome of men’s insights into their involvement and women-men partnership in reproductive health and rights in Woliso town. The target population comprised men of different ages in Woliso town. Focus group discussion, in-depth interviews, observation and survey questionnaires were used to gather quantitative and qualitative information. Generally, the results of both data sources revealed that there is low men’s involvement and absence of focusing on men in reproductive health and rights issues. The study highlights the positive tendencies on the part of the respondents to change the gender stereotypes related to reproductive health. The study disclosed that partnership in RH could be formed through empowering women and increasing the power within men, and also found out that men’s involvement could have multiple advantage in promoting reproductive decision-making such as sexuality, contraceptive prevalent rate, family planning, and fertility decision-making as well as in combating gender-based violence. The existing opportunities such as family, community networks, the efforts excreted by Gos and NGOs, and religions are identified as social capital in facilitating and promoting men’s involvement and partnership in the issues raised. The study concludes by highlighting the multi advantage of involving men in reproductive health and right issues, and suggests as to how men could involve and partnership between them could be established and strengthened. The study further suggests that there is a need for programs that would involve men and change their attitude towards gender and reproductive health and rights issues and motivate them to be partners. To this end, proper socialization of boys and girls and facilitating discourse among men and women upon gender and reproductive matters, promoting health IEC extension prorammes are identified as a way to resolve the imbalance power relationships between the sexes, and ultimately to ensure gender equity and equality
The Role of NGO's in Alleviating Women's Poverty: The Case of Two Projects in Addis Abeba
(Addis Ababa University, 2007-05) Kebede, Ginbowgsh; Mersha, Gebru (PhD)
Women in Ethiopia have been plagued by abject poverty in both urban and rural areas for centuries basically because of structural factors such as economic, social, cultural and political. These factors are the root causes of women’s poverty and gender inequality in the country. Although a good deal of research focusing on the role of Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in poverty alleviation in Ethiopia has been compiled, ways of maximizing the role of NGOs in alleviating women’s poverty, finding out how and why women are rendered most vulnerable to poverty and determining the underlying causes of feminization in relation to development issues, have largely gone unexamined. This study attempts to fill this gap. It has set out to do the job by inquiring into the operations of two NGO projects and their 168 women beneficiaries during the past 3-5 years in the respective NGOs’ Saving and Credit Program (SCP). All women including married, divorced, widowed and single living in the intervention areas of the Agency for Cooperation and Research in Development (ACORD) Ethiopia close to the French Embassy area of Addis Ababa and those living in the intervention areas of the Organization for Women in Self Employment (WISE) in the Nefas Silk, Kirkos locality of the capital were covered by the study. The study draws from clarification of concepts and analytical tools related to poverty issues as provided in various research works made by internationally recognized agencies including UNDP. Various researches undertaken by expert groups along with recognized reports they released like the 1997 Human Development Report, Human Poverty Index and others were also consulted. Data was obtained from three sources collected through focus group discussions with women SCP beneficiary groups and women committeemembers as a unit of analysis, as well as from few questionnaires and other documents. The paper also highlights the role of ACORD and WISE in alleviating women’s poverty through SCP. While acknowledging that these NGOs have indeed contributed to change the conditions of women to some extent, this research establishes that they still find it difficult to change the socio-economic status of women without solving the gender inequality prevailing at household and community levels. Research participants involved in the qualitative assessment process disclosed that alleviating women’s poverty only through SCP is unthinkable without tackling poverty problems at the household level. They further suggest that the ever deepening trends in poverty, the growing gap between the demand and supply and lack of capacity to compete in the market, reluctance of husbands to recognize the status of women as bread-winners, the unbalanced gender division of labor that burdens women with multiple family responsibilities, as well as lack of ownership by women of the means of production to expand their businesses have combined to constrain the work of NGOs in fully realizing their intended objective to alleviate women’s poverty in a sustainable way. Enough said, this study concludes that, based on the data collected from the study groups, there is a continuing threat to the efforts of NGOs to achieve their objectives. The study establishes that it is quite hard to alleviate women’s poverty just by giving loans through saving and credit schemes. The paper indicates that gender inequality currently existing within the family and in the community as a whole is quite enormous. It is felt that, no matter how intensive the NGO’s intervention in the area might be, it may still not be possible to alleviate women’s poverty in a sustainable way unless these efforts are buttressed by other interventions particularly intended to transform the family and the society by promoting gender equality and eradicating integrated household poverty.This research is divided into five chapters. Chapter one is devoted to an introductory note focusing on the background of poverty in Ethiopia, origin, role and development of NGOs in Ethiopia, policy environment and legal frameworks for NGOs, as well as statement of the problem, hypothesis, the research questions, the objective and significance of the study, definition of key terms and limitation of the study. Chapter two deals with clarification of concepts and analytical tools based on established international research and official reports that focus on development and poverty issues particularly feminization of poverty. Chapter three contains elaborate explanations about research methodology, data collection methods, data processing procedures and limitations during the study. Chapter four outlines research findings based on data collected from FGD, questionnaires and documentary evidence. The findings are presented in three categories of the role of NGOs’ in changing the life of women beneficiaries of SCP. The three categories are: Demographic characteristics and socio-economic status of the study groups; Positive socio-economic changes of NGO-led SCP on beneficiary groups; and Problems faced by women SCP beneficiaries as members, as a group and in their families. The chapter concludes with a brief overview of findings and their implications. The fifth and final chapter is devoted to conclusions and recommendations derived from the findings. List of tables, samples of questionnaires and study guides are also annexed to the paper
An Assessment of the Working Conditions of Flower Farm Workers: A Case Study of Four Flower Farms in Ormiya Region
(Addis Ababa University, 2007-05) Workneh, Tigist
Violence Against Women and Girls in the Pastoralist Communities of Oromia and Afar Regions: The Case of Fentalle and Mille Districts
(Addis Ababa University, 2007-05) Mohammed, Ahmed; Terefe, Hirut (PhD)
Violence against women and girls is a pervasive phenomenon in the pastoralist communities of the research sites. Violence against women and girls is considered as a normal way of life among the communities in the research areas. Women and girls in Fentalle and Mille are daily suffering from various violence acts against them. Research methodologies used by the researcher are both the qualitative and the quantitative methodologies, where as the research methods employed are: focus group discussion, key informant interview, case studies, participant observation and survey. In focus group discussion 120 women, men, girls and boys were participated. Again in-depth interview was carried out totally with 24 women, men, boys and girls. For the survey method, 200 women and girls, men and boys with different social backgrounds were randomly selected from the sample population. The cases of 12 victim women were also included in this research. The findings of this research identified 6 areas of violence against women and girls such as violence committed in 4 customary marriages, FGM, wives and girls battery. The research findings indicated that women and girls are forced to marry against their interests. Their consent is not asked and if they are found to refuse the marriage they are physically, socially, psychologically and economically sanctioned. Female genital mutilation is another form of violence committed against women and girls in the research sites. All types of FGM such as clitoridectomy and infibulations are practiced on women and girls in the research areas. Girls who are not mutilated are considered by the communities as supper sexy who cannot be afforded by their husbands; as those who violated the norms of their communities, and as a result no body marries them. Especially girls and woman in Afar communities are highly suffering from infibulations. Regarding wives and girls battery, the findings indicated that girls are usually beaten by their fathers, mothers, their brothers and even by their relatives, with the intention to make them submissive for their future husbands. Women are also usually beaten by their husbands in the name of punishment and correction. Families in the research areas give mandates for the husbands to beat their wives and as a result wife beating is official among the communities
The Interface between Violence against Women and HIV/AIDS The Experiences of HIV Positive Women Beneficiaries of the Society for Women and AIDS in Africa -Ethiopia in Kebeles 03/09 and 04/05, Arada Sub-city, Addis Ababa
(Addis Ababa University, 2007-05) Tegegn, Hanna; Terefe, Hirut (PhD)
This research focuses mainly on women who reportedly became HIV infected as a result of sexual violence. It examines the women’s experiences of sexual violence and HIV/AIDS from their perspectives and explores the connection between sexual violence and HIV/AIDS in the context of the women’s lives. It also investigates how victims of the double trauma of sexual violence and HIV disclose their victimization and HIV positive status to others, their coping strategies and the stigma they are facing and their agency in overcoming these adverse situations. The approach used for this research is mainly a qualitative one which is suitable for the issue of sexual violence and HIV/AIDS. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted. Two small surveys were conducted to triangulate findings from the interviews, for this, two sets of questionnaires were prepared. Drawing on data collected through these methods, the study describes the experiences of the women by means of cases of five women, and it demonstrates how the nature and scale of sexual violence impacts on women’s vulnerability to HIV/AIDS and the coping mechanisms they adopted. Participants were drawn from the Society for Women and AIDS in Africa-Ethiopia (SWAA-E) in Arada sub city in Addis Ababa, a non governmental organization mainly concerned with women and children that gives care and support to those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. The five women reported that the reason for their HIV positive status was sexual violence. All of them did not report their victimization to legal bodies; instead, they opted to keep silent about it. Their reason was that they were ashamed and did not know where to go. The research has also indicated that even though there are laws affirming women’s rights, the reality is far from it. Women also are not aware of their legal rights. The women’s victimization has resulted in their being HIV positive and three of them were forced to bear and single-handedly raise children of their perpetrators. This has added to their burden and further impoverished them. The women came to know their HIV positive status because of persistent illness, testing at antenatal clinics during pregnancy and testing for HIV as a requirement for visas abroad. Their reactions to their HIV positive diagnosis varied from acknowledgement to shock even attempted suicide. They were secretive about their HIV positive status apparently for fear of stigma especially for fear of being evicted from the houses they rented. Then again, they selectively disclosed their HIV positive statuses to the non governmental organization that assists them. This is indicative of the need to address HIV/AIDS related stigma in HIV prevention and control efforts. Among the stigma they have experienced are being evicted from their homes, being refused clothesline to hang their clothes and insults from those closest to them. The coping mechanisms adopted by PLWHA are taking the Holy Water (Tsebel), using traditional herbalists, caring for their children and hoping that they will see their children grow up. In the mean time, all five are engaged in productive works such as taking skill acquisition trainings, gainful employment and pursuing college education
Girls’ Career Choices and Aspirations: The case of Two High Schools in Addis Ababa Arada Sub City
(Addis Ababa University, 2007-06) Makonnen, Liyu
Most of the studies conducted about girls education focus more on access and general problems that they face than their decision making process. This study attempts to assess the factors that affect girls’ career choice and aspiration. In order to do this in-depth interview is conducted with 21 girls and two focus group discussions with 14 boys and girls in each school. This study is conducted in tow high schools of Holy Trinity School and Menilik Secondary School which are found in Arada Sub-City. The study finds that several reasons affect the choice of subjects and career aspirations. Some of the reasons are information that they are exposed to; the style of teaching; parents’ education and income; siblings’ inclination and performances in school; school and family environments. Girls’ aspiration is life in general is by and large affected by the support that they get from their parents and siblings. In light of these findings it is imperative that a great deal of career counselling and dissemination of information is required in order to give girls the chance to explore their desired and inclinations
Cultural Practices that Affected the Status of Women in Benishangul Gumuz Mandura Woreda
(Addis Ababa University, 2007-07) Bekele, Kalkidan; Rocha, Elaine P.(PhD)
This paper has the objective to assess the major cultural practices that affected the status of women in a society. The research was conducted in one of the traditional societies in which gender inequality is highly prevalent, that is the Gumuz community in Benishangul Gumuz Regional State of Mundura Woreda. Both primary and secondary data were employed in this study. Qualitative method of in-depth interview, participant observation, semi-structured and unstructured interviews and focused group discussion were utilized for primary data gathering. Four kebeles’ from the Woreda were selected purposively and a total of 57 respondents participated in this study. Men and women farmers, young girls, community elders, midwives, policeman, nurse and nun were included. Findings of the study show that there are various cultural practices in Gumuz community that undermine the position of women in the society. Unfair sexual division of labor, lack of women’s right to inherit property, various marriage practices, menstruation taboo, segregation of women during child delivery, food discrimination, son preference at birth, demanding greater number of children, domestic violence and sexual violence are the major cultural practices that put women at a lower status in Gumuz community. Furthermore, lack of awareness about the importance of family planning and girls' education is also another factor that puts women in a subordinate position
Water and Sanitation Provision and its Effects on Poor Women: The Case of Selected Neighbourhoods in Addis Ababa
(Addis Ababa University, 2007-07) Selfu, Nigist; Gebre, Tegegne (PhD)
This study, by taking the case of Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, investigates the effects of water and sanitation provision on poor women. The study was instigated by the observation that the pressure of inadequate water supply and sanitation provision fall more on the poor than better offs; and among the poor, the problems are intense on women due to biological, economic and socio- cultural factors. In order to thoroughly examine water supply and sanitation issues affecting poor women in the Addis Ababa context, relevant primary and secondary data were generated and personal observations were made and analyzed. Three poor neighbourhoods (two from the inner-city slums and one from the informal settlements) were identified as case study areas and 120 poor women were selected through a multi-stage sampling method. Major findings of the study indicate that in the city in general and in the studied neighborhoods in particular unavailability of water and sanitation at the required quantity, place, affordability, accessibility and safety has been strongly affecting the lives of poor women. It shows that these interrelated effects highly influence the health, income, privacy, dignity, security, social status of poor women including the time they can use for self improvement. As the effects are multiple so are the causes. The results of this study show that the roots causes are related to the socio-economic status of women including the rigid gender division of labour, inadequate access to economic resources and poor decision making power. These coupled with failure to implement the nationally declared gender and poverty policies as well as gender mainstreaming strategies made women arguably the most deprived in human as well as economic terms. The study concludes that water and sanitation, which is one of the most important development challenges facing Addis Ababa, has been affecting the lives of the poorest of the poor who live in the ill serviced slums and squatter settlements. So, action to improve water and sanitation situation is an important step to enable the poor people in general and poor women in particular to escape poverty. To escape from poverty, among other things, poor women need to be empowered. To achieve this goal, economic growth and financial resources are of course necessary, but they are not enough. This study suggests that by adopting an integrated and multisectored approach, by putting poor women’s needs at the center of water and sanitation service provisions and by enabling them to take part in the decision making and priority setting process it is possible to make a difference
Women as Victims /perpetuators of patriarchy: A Case study of Women Vendors in two Localities in Addis Ababa
(Addis Ababa University, 2007-07) Ashebir, Genet; Rocha, Elaine P.(PhD)
This study attempts to explain women as safe guardians of patriarchy, a system that maintains male supremacy over women. The aim is to explain the reasons as to why women are contributing to the perpetuation of a system that makes them remain in subordination to men. It tries to explain how the research participants do understand their role as perpetuators of patriarchy, by the lens of their own point of view. It also draws upon feminist thoughts and explanations on patriarchy and the gender division of labor. The objective is to provide a critical view on contribution of women to the perpetuation of patriarchy. It is an attempt to add on to what have been identified through previous researches as factors that maintain the system of male domination over women. It tries to give an insight on a not well observed issue, which is the contribution of women in maintaining patriarchy. This research is a small project that investigates the experience of thirty six women vendors who reside around what is locally known as ‘Abinet’ area and ‘Gega Sefer’ at the Lideta Sub City of the capital city, Addis Ababa. The inquiry framework of this research is mainly qualitative methodology while quantitative methods are also used for data collection and analysis. Two kinds of data collection methods namely: in-depth interview and focus group discussion are used in this study. The findings are analyzed and interpreted through the perspectives of the research participants and feminist theories on patriarchy. This study reveals that the research participants are aware that the gender based division of labor, which is interwoven with cultural norms and values is one reason for their low social status. Besides, they have the understanding that gender based division of labor is a socially constructed phenomena and that it is subject to change. However, they are less critical of their own contribution in the transferring of the existing traditional gender division of labor to generations and consequently to the perpetuation of a system that subordinates them
The Gender Dimensions of Povertyt: The Case of Intra Household in Addis Ababa (Addis Ketema Sub City)
(Addis Ababa University, 2007-07) Tefera, Helen; Adal, Yigremew (Assistant Professor)
Gender dimension of poverty largely examined in relation to head of the households, comparing female headed with that of male-headed households. Intra household poverty issues largely have gone unexamined. Owing to this gap, the thesis has objectives to asses the Gender dimension of poverty in the case of intra household arena, examine wives’ and husbands’ access to and control over resources, power relation, roles and responsibilities, vulnerability to risks and other related matters, so as to investigate whether women are disadvantaged or poorer than their male counterparts. The research is done in Addis Ababa, Addis Ketema sub city ‘Amanueal Sefer’. It is one of the disadvantaged areas in the city and large numbers of poor residents are living. The research design involves the use of both primary and secondary data. In this study more of qualitative methods are utilized. Added to this simple percentages were also used. Primary data is generated through interview, focus group discussions and to some extent observations. Married couples with children both sons and daughters were selected considering their age differential and living conditions. A total of thirty-three households were selected for interview, couples from each household were interviewed. A total of thirty-two women and men were also involved in the Focus Group Discussions. Secondary data were generated from books and other related researches. Findings of the study show that in most of the cases women have disadvantaged position comparing with their male counterparts. They are the one who carried out major household responsibilities and very much responsible for the sustenance of the households. Yet they have low access to and control over households’ resources. Among the workingwomen most of them have low controlling power over the income they generated. Even if women have greater responsibility for household matters, it is their husbands who are major decision-makers. Women are also very much vulnerable in times of difficulty than their husbands. Most of the time women are disadvantaged and poorer than their husbands. The societal norm, women’s self concept and the culture play significant roles to keep women in disadvantaged position
Denial of Rights, Human Rights Abuses and Violence Against Domestic Workers in Some Selected Areas of Addis Ababa
(Addis Ababa University, 2007-07) Tesfaye, Selamawit; (PhD), Jawahari
Causes and Consequences of Early Marriage among Selale Oromo Women: The Case Study of Hidabu Abote and Kuyu Woredas, North Shewa Zone, Oromia National Regional State
(Addis Ababa University, 2007-07) Hundie, Amsalu; Gurmu, Eshetu (PhD)
Early marriage is a deep rooted and tradition based practice in major parts of Ethiopia. Women are victims of early marriage as holding family responsibilities before they get matured physically and psychologically represses their participation in social and economic development of activities of the nation. The main objective of this study is to investigate the causes and consequences of early marriage among Selale Oromo women residing in the North Shewa Zone of Oromia Regional National State. A survey was conducted in two randomly selected woredas; namely Hidabu Abote and Kuyu to collect qualitative and quantitative information on causes and consequences of early marriage. Statistical data were collected by employing structured questionnaires to measure the magnitude of the early marriage practices, while in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were held to gather detailed information that help to investigate the root causes and consequences of early marriage. Findings of the study reveal that early marriage is widely practiced in the study communities due to economic motives derived from parents and close relatives, societal influences and cultural impacts. The economic motives behind early marriage includes parent’s desire to strengthen economic ties with in-laws, to get betrothal gifts from the bride groom’s family, to improve the economic conditions/vulnerability of the family and parent’s desire to secure their children’s future before they pass away. Societal influence, on the other hand, deals with the urge of parents to establish or strengthen kin relationship, to avoid loss of virginity and clear of stigma of ‘haaftuu’. Cultural impacts that promote conformity of the age old tradition, fear of traditional belief of the Oromo known as ‘Caacuu and Kallacha’ and elder’s pervasiveness are also identified as one of the factors promoting early marriage. More importantly, marital disruption, problems related with sexuality, reproductive health and child delivery, perpetuation of poverty among victims of early marriage and lack of educational opportunity are also documented as consequences of early marriage. The study concludes that problems associated with early marriage are pertinent issue of girls/women in the study area, as the practice that is supported by social norms and customs goes against their right. To overcome such a problem, findings of the study call for strong campaign to enhance the legal literacy of women, community leaders and gender activists; putting pressure on legal enforcing bodies to fight against such harmful traditional practices, and formulating net working with different government, non-government and civil societies that work on gender issues
Pattern of Intimate Partner Violence among married women of Awassa Town
(Addis Ababa University, 2007-07) Eyoel, Mekdes; Deyassa, Neguse(PhD); Olango, Mena (PhD)
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the socioeconomic status of women and intimate partner violence in Awassa town. In addition it was aimed to find other risk factors for intimate partner violence. The research was conducted by qualitative as well as quantitative methodology. Qualitative data was used as supplementary to the quantitative data and gathered by focus group discussion in Awassa town from April 30 to May 7. The data for quantitative study was gathered by in depth interview from March 20, 2007 to April 20, 2007. The collected data was analyzed by using a software SPSS. Descriptive statistics, chi square, logistic regression and cross tabulation were utilized from SPSS to analyze data. Three hundred eighty four women were interviewed. The mean age of respondents was 33.7. The minimum age of the respondents was 17 and the maximum was 48 years old. The reported life time prevalence of sexual violence is 39.8% and it was 38.3% in the last twelve months. The life time prevalence of physical violence was 56.3%, and it was 51.3% in the last twelve months. The findings of this study confirm that physical and sexual violence against women is also a problem in Awassa town. It also illustrates that women’s socioeconomic characteristics such as age, monthly income, property ownership, decision making power, the number and type of marriage influence the likelihood of physical and sexual violence. There was no significant association between the educational level of the women and intimate partner violence that are sexual and physical violence. In addition, the finding reveals that socio demographic characteristics of the husband such as alcohol, khat and hostile behaviours have strong association with sexual and physical violence. These are the risk factors for physical and sexual violence. More over, this study suggested that empowering women, dissemination of information regarding laws related with intimate partner violence and appropriate service for the victims of intimate partner violence are necessary to tackle the problems related with intimate partner violence

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