Gender Studies

Permanent URI for this collection

http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/19

Browse

Browsing Gender Studies by Title

Now showing 1 - 20 of 101
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Accessibility to Sexual and Reproductive Health Services for Female Migrant Returnees who are Survivors of Sexual Violence: The Case of Female Migrant ReturneesAssisted by Civil Society Organizations.
    (Addis Ababa University, 2023-07-20) Jerusalem Dejene; Mulumebet Zenebe (PhD)
    Migrants travel to other countries to get employment opportunities and make their lives along with their families better. When they migrate, they might be faced with unforeseen challenges on their journey, when they reach their country of transit or country of destination. One of these challenges is facing sexual violence along their way. Survivors of sexual violence need sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services among others after the incidents of sexual violence. The research aimed to examine access to SRH services for female migrant returnees (FMR) who are survivors of sexual violence. More specifically it aimed to assess the opportunities, challenges, and coping mechanisms female migrant returnees, survivors of sexual violence, have in accessing SRH services before and after their return. This study used a qualitative case study research design. For the study, FMRs were reached out through civil society organizations (CSOs). These CSOs have shelters that work on the rehabilitation and reintegration of migrant returnees. Eight FMRs participated in the in-depth interview and two shelter coordinators were interviewed as key informants. Thematic analysis was used for the data analysis process. The results showed that there is a gap in easy access to information and SRH services, some FMRs who became pregnant, after the incident of sexual violence that happened to them, could not access any SRH services. While some were only able to access SRH services through their employers, friends, or other organizations. In contrast, all the interviewed FMRs that needed SRH after their return were able to get access to SRH services either through CSOs they were assisted by, privately, or through other organizations. The major challenge interviewed FMRs faced was getting the information on how to access such service providers, as a coping mechanism, some approached their friends and employers. But others could not find ways to overcome their challenges and returned without any access to SRH services. To gain the information migrants have regarding SRH services, different local CSOs and other international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that work closely with migrants and migrant returnees can create a platform, where before individuals migrate, they can get important information from them or other returnees. Government bodies such as the Ministry of Labor and Skills of Ethiopia, can help ensure the safe and legal travel of migrants to their country of destination.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    An Assessment of the Management of Child Day care Services in Federal Governmental Offices: The Case of the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2023-05) Tsige Tadele; Muluemebet Zenebe (PhD)
    The study was conducted and assessed the Management of Child Day Care Centers in Federal Government offices. From the Ministry of Education and ministry of health, twenty-three participants were selected through the use of the purposive sampling technique. The data collection methods comprised in-depth inteinterviewscus group discussions, key informant interviews, non-Participatory observation, and a review of related literature were used. The data was systematically analyzed using content analysis of various data sources. The findings have shown, there is a gap in the implementation of the revised Civil Service Proclamation particularly enacted the mandates given to government offices to establish child day care at workplaces and the national child day care center directives. Moreover, the government hierarchy is difficult to coordinate and monitor the service, to avail quality workplace child daycare service. The main findings of the research show that there is no formally trained staff in early child daycare services. Education and/or specialized qualifications have a huge impact on the overall quality of caregiving. Much attention has to be paid to the education and/or training of child caregivers. It was recommended that the Ministry of Education should make all the possible strives to start new caregiver training programs at least diploma level and th curriculum and syllabus should be prepared to produce child care professionals with better knowledge, skill, and attitude on child development and care so they become professionals in their careers.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    An Assessment on the Status and Challenges of Mainstreaming Gender Performance Audit: The Case of the Office of the Federal Auditor General (OFAG), Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2023-04) Melaku Alebie; Emezat Hailu (PhD)
    Gender performance audit, which is the focus of this study, is a tool used to identify important gaps and difficulties during an entity‟s gender mainstreaming activities, offers methods to solve them and new and more effective techniques, and publishes excellent practices toward achieving gender equality. The study is conducted at the Office of the Federal Auditor General (OFAG), Ethiopia with the objective of assessing the status and challenges to mainstream gender performance audit as an audit type. The study is qualitative in design and it utilized both primary and secondary sources of data. The study tends to prove that the existing status of mainstreaming gender performance audit in OFAG as a separate audit type is in preliminary level. It also proved that there is lack of readymade gender performance audit manual which can be used to conduct the audit under study. It also confirmed that there is lack of attention given for gender performance audit from the senior management of OFAG and there is also lack of awareness from its employees about it. As it is on trial level, there is lack of gender expertise that have the necessary knowledge on gender issues. Likewise, Absence of organizational structural arrangement for gender performance audit in the office is found to be a key challenge to mainstream it as a separate audit type. In addition the finding shows that, there is lack of gender audit curriculum in the office.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Analysis of Solid Waste Collection from A Gender Perspective: The Case Of Bole Sub City
    (Addis Ababa University, 2018-07) Teklu, Weyni; Mulugeta, Tizita (PhD)
    This research aims to explore and analyze waste collection activities from gender perspective with specific reference given to women association members involved on door-to door waste collection activities in Bole sub city. Understanding the basic factors that enable waste collectors to join the line of waste collection work, the specific hindrances and challenges faced by women waste collectors in the place of work, the community and from concerned bodies in general are the objectives of this study. In order to achieve its objectives the study used a qualitative research methodology. Among the qualitative research techniques this study used in-depth and key-informant interview methods to collect the primary data. The study participants were selected through purposive sampling techniques in which both sexes (men and women) were included during the study. Finally the collected data was analyzed qualitatively using a phenomenological technique of data analysis. The study result indicates that women employees in the door-to –door solid waste collection associations are limited in number compared to their male counterparts. And all of the factors and challenges identified have different implications on the lives of women and men participants. Based on the finding, the thesis also provides some recommendations for concerned bodies. Key words; Door-to-door solid waste collection association, enabling factor, challenges, role
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Ascertainment of Paternity under the Ethiopian Revised Family Law: Legal and Practical Challenges from a Gender Perspective
    (Addis Ababa University, 2022-05) Selam Kibret; Emezat Hailu PhD
    Ascertainment of paternity under the family code entails various problems in the Ethiopian context. The major problem is associated with the difficulty of ascertaining paternity by all the available mechanisms. The mechanisms provided by the law to ascertain paternities are legal presumption; acknowledgement of paternity and judicial declaration. Each of these mechanisms’ present challenges to the women who are required to prove a man is the father of their child. The challenges presented by the law would be reflected in the practice of litigation process mainly in weighing of the evidence as a result it influences the process to seek medical evidence. This research aims to assess the legal and practical challenges of ascertaining paternity, under the Ethiopian context, from a legal and gender perspective. The research used the doctrinal research method as it broadens legal discourses in terms of its theoretical and conceptual framework which guided the direction of the researcher by enabling to generate evidences to answer the research problems. To this effect, the researcher employed qualitative research approach by using key informant and in-depth interviews. The research identified that the mechanism to assert paternity in the Ethiopian Revised Family Code does not allow means of ascertainment other than. specifically recognized in the law. The law as it stands now solely burdens the woman to prove the man is indeed the child’s father, and demands evidence is submitted before litigation starts. The way the law is designed puts a precondition on a woman to prove the existence of legally recognized relationship. The research further found the practical aspect of ascertaining of paternity present the major challenges such as; requiring a standard of proof higher than any other civil matters; long period of litigations before getting a final judgment; and difficult to execute the judgment. The research also assessed on top of these legally recognized method how the practice created new widely implemented ways of ascertaining paternity in the form medical proof; DNA test, which differs from what is provided in the law. The legal and the practical gaps resulted in unequal treatments between a man and a woman, a financial burden and having to carry the load of both parents in child raising on the woman alone.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    An Assessment of Causes of Rape and its Sociohealth Effects: The Case of Female Victims in Kirkos Sub-City, Addis Ababa
    (Addis Ababa University, 2008-07) Fekadu, Sinidu; Hydervali (PhD)
    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
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Assessment of Gender Inequality in Domestic Chores in Addis Ababa: The Case of Mekdim Ethiopian National Association (Mena)
    (Addis Ababa University, 2023-05-20) Alemtsehay Woldemariam; Eunhye Chang (PhD)
    The major objectives of this study were to investigate the gender inequality in the context of domestic chores, especially by taking the case of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) of MEKDIM ETHIOPIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (MENA) project beneficiaries. For this research, a qualitative research approach was employed. Primary data was collected through un structured interview from the MENA project beneficiaries and project office staff. Secondary data was gathered by reviewing literatures, documents such as proclamations, code laws, regulations, guidelines, and policy documents and official reports. Research findings provided that in managing the projects, MENA has exerted much effort in the areas of capacity building, training, system strengthening, advocacy and enhanced participation of women in the areas that concerned women's lives in domestic chores. And it also created an opportunity for women to participate in their own matters in the governance processes of the Association. On the other hand, the research findings provided that MENA project activities slightly change women attitudes and perceptions towards domestic chores. And men's involvement in domestic activities was found to be very limited. Also, MENA project beneficiaries have faced multiple social and economic challenges. Based on the research findings, the attitude and behaviors of women and men towards domestic determined by social experiences, cultural tradition, and economic status, which shape and enforce the gender biased attitudes. As a result of their engagement in domestic chores they encounter depression, economic dependence on the income of their husband, and non-adherence to Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART).In contrast, MENA projects enhanced the rights of women of PLWHA by effective management of their projects such as promoting micro-level advocacy activities; gender equality awareness program and community dialogues through PLWHA support group like Village Saving Group (VSG). In order to solve the challenges indicted above and enhance women's right to protection at the grass-roots level. MENA is required to strengthen women's rights in FDRE's constitution and principles across all levels including the domestic laws; extend its strategic partnership to enhance women’s rights scale up its intervention at the policy level. MENA also need to carry out the holistic approach to prevent and respond to domestic chores to create a space for MENA-supported partners to engage them in micro-level advocacy activity; conduct awareness-creation programs to promote the gender equality in domestic chores. MENA should also create space for partners to engage them in micro-level advocacy work. Domestic chore awareness programs should be implemented by MENA and its stakeholder organizations. MENA needs to create a strategic partnership with the Federal Women's Sector Office to ease the burden of domestic chores. Furthermore, PLWHA must participate in the development of the Association's programs and projects, as well as make significant efforts to practice gender transformative programming. Also, holistic support for PLWHA and their families is essential to bringing real gender equality at household level. Finally, MENA should recognize that men and women needs to work together to achieve lifechanging outcomes for PLWHA.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Assessment of Household Energy Project from a Gender Perspective: The Case of GTZ-supported Mirt Dissemination Project in Bahir Dar City
    (Addis Ababa University, 2010-07) Legesse, Messeret; Zenebe, Mulumbet (PhD)
    The purpose of the research was mainly to investigate women’s views, experience and problems related to Mirt stove project in Bahir Dar City. Evaluation of integration of gender aspects in the project cycle in respect to a strategy of gender mainstreaming, environmental crisis affecting women and energy policies and strategies of Ethiopia were the main focus. Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies were used and accordingly different methods of data collection such as quantitative survey, in-depth interview coupled by personal observations, case studies and document review were applied. Quantitative survey covered 256 and in depth interview 18 women where as key informant interview covered 9 individuals including men. Findings of the research showed that GTZ supported Mirt project has contributed positively to environmental protection despite gender mainstreaming was not applied through the project cycle. However, the project’s counterpart on the Government side which is Ministry of Mines and energy is implementing gender mainstreaming and has a five year strategic plan in this respect. The major house energy is biomass accounting to 89.1% of the energy sources from which fire wood accounts 82.42% and 20-50% of respondents spend their income on the fire wood causing pressure on women. Respondents accounting to 62.11% are using Mirt stove for baking Injera and is definitely contributing to fire wood consumption. The GTZ-Mirt project assumes 50% of fire wood will be saved compared to the conventional stove however, in real life, conditions were found to discredit the assumption. Absence of timely updates of the technology, no consultation with users (women) and shortage of finance for women to buy the stove are among the main limiting factors. From the collective findings it is concluded that the assumed success of the Mirt project is not fully attained and should not only be measured by the number of stoves distributed and should have a regular real life test and should include gender aspects. Twin track approach strategy meaning Mirt stove dissemination should be undertaken in parallel with fuel wood supply enhancement through community forestry program to combat fuel wood deficit
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    An assessment of Integrated services from the Present and Past Shelter Users’ Perspectives: the case of Association for Women’s Sanctuary and Development (AWSAD) Shelter
    (Addis Ababa University, 2018-06) Enkuberhan, Ruth; Mussie, Rahwa (PhD)
    This study assesses present and past AWSAD shelter users’ perspectives towards the medical, psychosocial, living arrangement, legal, child facility and reintegration services. The objectives of the study were attained through the use of a mixed research design. In the quantitative method, eighty participants were selected using convenience sampling technique. While, in the qualitative method, twenty-three participants were selected through the use of purposive sampling technique. The data collection instrument comprised semi-structured interview questions, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and survey questionnaires. The findings have shown that the counseling services and skill-based trainings have contributed to the residents’ vitality by improving their self-efficacy, confidence and social skills. The main findings of the research revealed that shelter services have been essential for the residents’ rehabilitation as it enabled them to regain a self-determined and independent life. To improve the quality of shelter service for the betterment of survivors lives it was recommended to enhance reintegration services through providing income generating opportunities and social welfare assistance.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Assessment of the Importance of Comprehensive Sex Education in Secondary School Curricula
    (Addis Ababa University, 2023-12-23) Tsion Molla; Emezat Hailu (PhD)
    This study aimed to assess the importance of Comprehensive Sex Education (CSE) in Secondary School Curricula. The research focused on assessing the need for the introduction of comprehensive sex education in secondary school curricula, the debate that exists, the role of CSE in promoting gender equality, and existing gaps that remain in the existing curricula. Primary data was collected through an in-depth, semi-structured interview through various techniques. Phone and online interviews were used besides in-person interviews. Respondents include educators, gender experts, curriculum experts, and advocates. Document review was employed to review the secondary school textbook Biology and Civics and Ethical Education and assess the strengths and gaps in relation to CSE. A provisional code was set out to serve as a guide to explore and analyze the documents. The research findings have pointed out that CSE is not officially included in the secondary school curriculum (grades 9 to 12), although certain topics related to sexual and reproductive health are covered in Biology Civics and Ethical Education. Some essential topics were excluded, while the approach and focus are only biological and physical and do not include psychological and social aspects. The study presents the importance of CSE to adolescents' overall well-being, empowerment, awareness, and informed decision-making, leading to improved sexual and reproductive health outcomes. Finally, the study discusses the existing debate and various perspectives around the inclusion of CSE in the curriculum, including concerns of sensitivity, encouragement of adolescent sexual activity, the existing lessons on sexual and reproductive health being sufficient and whether CSE should be a co-curricular activity or a curricular activity. It is recommended that the Ministry of Education revise and expand the current curriculum by adding important topics of comprehensive sex education that are missing and including psychological and social aspects to engage students with real-life case studies. NGOs are recommended to provide culture- sensitive co-curricular CSE materials to ensure approval from the Ministry of Education. Further research and evaluation are recommended to design age-appropriate and culturally sensitive CSE.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Assessment on the Impacts of Traditional Gender Roles and Expectations on Job of Women Police Officers of Federal Police Commission, Crime Prevention Sector of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
    (Addis Ababa University, 2019-06) Birhanu, Mlashu; Zenebe PhD, Mulumebet
    The study which was conducted on employees of federal police commission crime prevention sector was intended to see the representation of female police officers and if at all the traditional gender roles and expectations have created a negative impact on their representation at the commission. Moreover, the study intended to see the possible challenges that women police officers face on their workplace starting from recruitment to that of job advancement once they are employed. The study also included the different perceptions and attitudes of male police officers towards their counterpart. There is no research that was done on the possible effects of gender roles and expectations on female police officers work and their carrier advancement. To achieve the objectives of the study, qualitative research method was used. So as to understand the lived experience of women police officers and the different challenges that they have faced in their workplace, data were collected using in-depth interviews, FGDs, key informant interviews and review of related different literatures. The data was thematically organized and analyzed by triangulation of various data sources to increase its reliability and validity. One major finding of the study is that a major gender gap exists in policing profession as female police officers are not duly represented and this has been the case for many years. The commission doesn’t have a discriminatory deployment rule; but the practice shows that female police officers are not able to do works like patrolling and operational tasks which require physical strength as well as full time engagement. Women officers are expected to do work at home and this has some effect on their physical capability and time management. The misrepresentation become even worse as one goes up on the higher position in the policing hierarchy. Responses of different male police officers are evident that they are not positive towards the ability and skills of their women counterparts. This had led them to be resistant and disobedient to the commands and orders of their counterparts in the event that women police officers are superior in position. The effect of gender roles and expectations has made female police officers to be double burdened as they struggle to reconcile their work load with the load they have at home. The findings also show their burden is more prominent as one got married and has children as the primary care giver is said to be the mother. And as traditional role shaped female to accept whatever the society expect them to do and this has led them to prefer an indoor activities, female police officers prefer to do indoor works than outdoor activities accepting the fact that they are the primary caregivers in their family. According to the above findings of the study the researcher has recommended different measures to be taken at organizational level, on personal level and interpersonal level. One important recommendation is enhancing the capacity of female officers through trainings and scholarship opportunities. There should exist a sisterhood environment among female police officers as one who has higher position should inspire others in the lower position. Male police officers should be given trainings to support their counterparts at the workplace and to understand female officer’s burden.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Attitude and the Practice of Affirmative Action for Female Students: The Case of Mekelle University
    (Addis Ababa University, 2010-06) Tefera, Tsigereda; Ademe, Enguday(PhD)
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    The Attitude and Views of Parliamentarians towards Women’s Political Participation and Gender Based Quota: The Case of FDRE
    (Addis Ababa University, 2010-07) Techane, Meseret; Mulugeta, Emebet (PhD)
    The main purpose of this study was to assess the attitude and view of Parliamentarians towards women’s political participation and gender based quota: To deal with the problem, three fundamental research questions were formulated that asses the attitude and view of parliamentarians towards women’s political participation, gender based quota and their perspectives on the role of quota in Ethiopian politics to enhancing women’s political participation. To conduct the study, mixed method study design was employed. The study was carried out in the House of People’s Representatives, and purposive and stratified sampling methods were used to select 80 female parliamentarians, two political parties and 129 male parliamentarians. The main instruments of data collection were questionnaire, indepth interview and document analysis. The data were analyzed using frequency tables and percentage. The finding of the study reveals that the majority of the participants have a positive attitude towards women’s political participation irrespective of their sex and their political party affiliation. However, with regard to their view on gender based quota it was found that most men parliamentarians from opposition parties have negative attitude while women parliamentarians and men parliamentarians from the ruling party support the practice of affirmative action measures such as quota. From the findings of the study, it was possible to conclude that descriptive political representation of Ethiopian women is improving, the current quota system introduced by the ruling party lacks follow up in creating competent women politicians rather it increases numerical presence of women in the HPR. Therefore, the provision of quotas by political parties’ with capacity building activities, support of male parliamentarians and quota non receiving female politicians towards quota receiving women, and the recognition and implementation of laws on the rights of women are some of the recommendations forwarded to enhance women’s political participation
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    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
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Bridging Women’s Rights and Human Rights: A Case Study of Five Ethiopian Lesbians
    (Addis Ababa University, 2010-05) Ephrem, Betelhem; White, Aaronnet (PhD)
    In Ethiopian society same-sex sexuality is seen as a disease or as a deviant behavior which exists irrespective of the natural. This research is intended to answer four basic questions: How do Ethiopian women who engage in same-sex sexual activity perceive themselves and their sexuality? Do they perceive any relation between gender equality and same-sex sexuality despite state-sanctioned homophobia? What social, psychological, and physical threats, if any, do Ethiopian lesbians face? How do they cope with state-sanctioned homophobia? In order to answer the above research questions an online semi-structured and selfadministered questionnaire, relying mainly on open-ended questions, was utilized to better understand the lives of Ethiopian lesbians and to ensure privacy, confidentiality and anonymity. By employing purposive sampling, the present study recruited Ethiopian lesbians who are members of the Queer Abesha Women’s Yahoo Group listserv. Three major themes emerged from an analysis of the content of five Ethiopian lesbian cases. The first theme reflected the negative impact of Ethiopian laws on the personal lives of Ethiopian lesbians. The second theme revealed sexual agency among the women despite political, cultural and religious repression. The third theme reflected the dynamic nature of Ethiopian women’s sexuality as well as their sexual fluidity. Despite the challenges Ethiopian lesbians experience from fundamentalist religious beliefs, repressive laws and societal norms, all five women perceive themselves as healthy sexual human beings
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    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
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Challenges of and Opportunities from Access to Information and Communication Technology A Gender Perspective Analysis on Arada Sub City, Addis Ababa
    (Addis Ababa University, 2010-07) Adugna, Selamawit; subramaniyam, Vijaya (PhD)
    Using a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, this study identify the challenges of and opportunities from Access to ICTs from a gender perspective on selected residents of Arada Sub-city of Addis Ababa Administration. To this end, the study investigated the situation regarding access to computer and internet, frequency of using them, experience in using these technologies and place of use. The study involved 140 (122 for questionnaire and 18 for interview) participants who were selected from residents of Arada sub-city using convenience and purposive sampling techniques. The result of the study has indicated that ICT is affected by different sociocultural and economic status and there is a gender gap in having access to ICT as a reflection of the gender disparity appears in the society. The study also find out challenges in having access to computer and internet technology the majority of the research respondents have indicated that access, experience, frequency, place and purpose of using computer and internet technology is affected by gender, educational attainment, income and age. Women have less access to computer and internet technology due to many barriers, women have less economical power than the of male, have less computer skill, have lots of responsibilities at home, shortage of time, less connected to technologies, unawareness on ICT’s relevance to their life and not know the benefit out of these technologies are the major findings from the survey and the interview. In addition the participants notify that ICT’s bring a new opportunity in their in their in their educational, social and professional life
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Challenges of Men to Participate in the Reduction of Gender-Based- Violence against School Girls in Addis Ababa: the Case of Gulele Sub-City Preparatory Schools
    (Addis Ababa University, 2010-06) Debalkie, Fanuel; Terefe, Hirut (PhD)
    The study is to pave the way for different intervention mechanisms which need the contribution of male students, male teachers or/and men in general in the reduction of gender-based-violence against school girls. The study used both quantitative and qualitative methods to obtain data from male student and male teacher survey respondents, female student focus group discussants and female teacher key informants of the selected preparatory schools. Moreover, the study obtained data from key informants in Gulele Sub-city Women Affairs Office and Police Department. Regarding the participation of men, 175 (97.8%) male students and 38 (97.4%) male teachers and the three key informants said that men’s participation is important to reduce gender-based-violence against school girls. However, in all of the focus group discussions among female preparatory students, there were discussants who said that male students, male teachers or/and men’s participation couldn’t bring change. According to these discussants, the reason why men’s participation isn’t important is that men don’t understand the pain of the survivor so that they can’t be participants to reduce GBV against school girls. It was found out that the way men grew up, the societal attitude on men’s participation, absence of policy framework about men’s participation, lack of legal protection for those who participate to reduce gender-basedviolence and fear of fighting with the perpetrator were the main types of challenges that prevent men from participating in the reduction of GBV against school girls. It was also found out that, awareness creation for the in-school and out-of-school community members, establishing and strengthening in-school and out-of-school gender-clubs, formulating policy about men’s participation, strengthening legal protection for those who participate to reduce GBV were some of the suggested mechanisms the make men participants in the reduction of GBV against school girls. In general, dealing with challenges of men to participate in the reduction of gender-based-violence against school girls doesn’t imply men should be the main participants in the reduction campaign but it is to find ways which enable concerned bodies to tackle the challenges that prevent men so as to make them partners in the reduction of gender-based-violence against school girls
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Challenges to the Implementation of the Maputo Protocol: The Case of Cameroon
    (Addis Ababa University, 2010-06) Ojongmboh, Ayamba; Subramaniyam, Vijaya (PhD)
    This aim of this study is to explore the challenges faced by many African countries which have ratified the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) on the Rights of Women in Africa, popularly known as the Maputo Protocol (MP). Its main focus is on Cameroon, as this country is one of the last to have ratified the Protocol in May 2008, and also one that witnessed a massive and long lasting protest. The main preoccupation throughout the research was to understand why Cameroonians are so radically opposed to the MP, in other words, the challenges faced by the government of Cameroon in its attempt to the implement this instrument. The challenges are identified as being centered around abortion and to a large extent the idea that the Protocol may be aimed at shattering the foundation of the Cameroonian society by weakening the family which constitutes its central pillar. Articles 5, 6, 7, 14, 17, 20 and 21of this instrument are at the center of controversy and tend to justify the protests which took place in Cameroon. To investigate these challenges, the researcher used both quantitative and qualitative methods. Appropriate instruments of data collection were designed and suitable sampling techniques for both methods were used in order to achieve the set objectives. The investigations conducted in Cameroon reveal the existence of a great divergence between the MP’s approach to gender and the feelings and perceptions of Cameroonians on the same issue. Africa’s culture in general and that of Cameroon in particular, is built on a clear separation and specialization of roles in the society for men and women. Africans in general still pay much attention to large families which represent one of the most visible signs of social success and achievement. This can be seen through the importance attached to marriage and parenthood, which are sacred and highly valued statuses as indicated by almost all female and male research participants. The provisions of the MP listed above seem to constitute in this regard, a threat to these African values and explain the determination of Cameroonians to oppose it. Nevertheless, the study concludes that the MP should not be discarded, but should rather be amended or improved upon in the sense of adapting it to the African socio-historical context, (home-grown) as articulated by African theoreticians and intellectuals, so as to facilitate its acceptance and subsequent implementation by member States