Gender Studies

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Exploring Opportunities and Challenges of Women Police Officers in Leadership at Federal Police Commission, Crime Prevention Sector of Addis Ababa
(Addis Ababa University, 2022-06) Rozina Mulugeta; Mulumebet Zenebe (PhD)
The study's main objective was to look into the opportunities and challenges faced by female police officers in leadership positions at the Federal Police Commission's Crime Prevention Sector of Addis Ababa. To that end, efforts were made to explore female officers' opportunities for leadership participation, identify factors that contribute to women officers' holding various leadership positions, assess barriers that prevent them from participating in leadership positions, and recommend some measures that could be taken to improve their participation in leadership positions. To achieve the objectives of the study, quantitative and qualitative research methods were used. The researchers collected data from both primary and secondary sources. The data was collected using interviews and questionnaires. Concerning the sampling techniques, both probability and non-probability sampling methods are implemented to draw the sample employees. Selected respondent data is processed and analyzed by using statistical tools such as SPSS, percentage, mean, and frequency. To improve the validity and reliability of the study’s conclusion, the findings were thematically categorized and analyzed using a triangulation of different data sources. The findings of this study revealed that the Federal Police Commission provides some opportunities for female police officers in order to enhance their efficiency and involvement in the institution. The study also found that the factors that contribute to women officers' being in leadership positions are personal reasons; support and encouragement from their husbands or families; their male coworkers; and institutional reasons. Accordingly, the main result of the study is that even though there are few female officers in the leadership positions, their participation in these positions is insignificant compared to male officers participation in leadership positions. It was further identified that the major causes that hinder women’s having leadership positions were family-related challenges, lack of interest, lack of self-confidence and other related issues, and other organizational barriers. To overcome these challenges, the federal police commission should have to give special emphasis to gender issues to bring about institutional change, providing education and training on gender issues and military capacity, which is instrumental for leadership positions. Finally, the main measures to be taken to enhance women police officers participation in leadership depend on better addressing gender gaps in the federal police commission and the level of attention given to gender issues in the crime prevention sector.
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.
Factors Affecting Women’s Participation in the Leadership of Irrigation Water Users Association
(Addis Ababa University, 2022-06) Soyome Alemayehu; Hanna Tegegn (PhD)
In the study Woreda, women comprise 18% of the IWUA which worsened in the leadership positions. This study analyzes factors affecting women’s participation in the IWUA leadership. Four IWUAs were selected purposively from Wolmera Woreda and data was collected through FGD and in-depth and key informant interviews and analyzed thematically. The study shows that on average there are about 11% of women on the committees but none of them are holding the leadership position which is defined in this study as chairperson, deputy chairperson, and secretary of the committees. The main hindering factors for this, as identified in the study, include the existing IWUA proclamation and regulation, which doesn’t state women’s representation in IWUA leadership, and the one person per household representation rule which left out married women in the male-headed households. In addition, women’s workload, lack of access to information, and communities’ perception of women’s leadership were also identified as hindering factors. For not participating in IWUA leadership, women lack capacity building opportunities and the opportunity to learn from each other and share their concerns. Hence this study recommends addressing structural barriers by revising the existing IWUA regulation and developing implementation guidelines to deliberately engage women in the IWUA leadership with commitment. Addressing the root causes of inequality through promotion of gender transformative approaches to enhance women’s access to and control over resources and decision-making power at all levels is also recommended. In addition, tailor-made support is required at all level to ensure participation in IWUA leadership.
Socio-Economic Empowerment of Married Women Working In Selected Flower Farms in Central Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2022-11-05) Mahlet Merid; Aynalem Megersa (PhD)
The study aimed at investigating Socio-Economic Empowerment of Married Women Working in Selected Flower Farms in Central Ethiopia. Specifically, it is concerned with the institutional setup and practice that the Sher Ethiopia and Minaye Flowers have in the workplace, it was also exploring in which the two flower farms empower their women employees, then it is used to understand the extent to of women employees' decision-making power on their respective households, then the thesis is concerned with examining the major challenges women employees in the flower farms encounter with. To address the objectives of the study both qualitative and quantitative methods were used. To gather quantitative data survey questionnaires were prepared and filled in face-to-face interactions with respondents then descriptive statistics were used to analyze data gathered through the survey. To gather the qualitative data observation, both in-depth and key informant interviews were used, and to cross-check data collected through the survey, focus group discussion (FGD) were used. The study finding shows regarding its institutional setup and practice there are different policies, procedures, and legal frameworks that the flower farms are guided with to empower women employees. Among others the gender equality and sexual harassment policies and labor proclamations are employed, both Flower farms use the labor proclamation strictly however there is a gap in effective implementation of the policies. The study also shows that the two flower farms have the intentions of empowering the women employees, most of the women interviewed indicated that they have benefited from the empowerment benefits on the farm, and this increase the women's decision-making powers in their households and workplaces. The study also shows that there are challenges they face at the workplace and outside their working area among this, sexual harassment, low access to credits, and low wage are some challenges. The study can be concluded that women's employment in the two flower farms had shown better changes in empowering their workers in terms of increasing the decision-making power, education, training access and health service delivery. Therefore, the study recommends that the government to set a national wage considering the flower farms, creating of women empowerment legal frameworks and follow-up, boost women empowerment benefits in flower farms, and look for the implementations.
The Role of Community Policing in Reducing Gender based Violence against Women and Girls in Addis Ababa: The Case of Gulele Sub City, Woreda One
(Addis Ababa University, 2019-07) Gudeta Chala; Rahwa Mussie (PhD)
Community policing is a strategy that is implemented in several countries, including Ethiopia to counter crime. It is also considered as having a role to address the pervasive problem of gender based violence in its participatory approach. In this context, this study was conducted with the objective to assess the role of community policing in reducing gender-based violence against women and girls in Gulele sub-city Woreda one. Methodologically, it has applied a qualitative research approach and exploratory research design to undertake the study. The primary data was collected through in-depth interviews, FGD and key informant interview while the secondary sources of information depended on a desk review of relevant documents. The study found out that the major forms of gender-based violence in the study area are rape, domestic violence, and sexual harassment. The role of community policing and community police is found to be significant in countering GBV, but it is not adequately reported since it affects the victims who are in a relatively lower status in terms of age, socio-economic status, and power relations. The community police officers are working for the prevalence of peace and security and for the proper functioning of the community in the area, but it also identified that there is lack of specific work and practice that have been aiming to address the pervasive problem of GBV and a mechanism to reduce it enormously. The study revealed that the community is not actively collaborating with the community police officers in preventing crime/abuse against women and girls. The findings further reveal that Women and Children Affairs of the sub-city and Woreda their collaboration with the community policing office is not strong to the extent of fighting or preventing gender-based violence. In conclusion, the findings of the study pave the way to enhance the implementation or practices of community policing programs and policymakers need to pay attention to integrate GBV issues in the community policing program.
Exploring the Contributing Factors to Increasing Violence against Women and Girls during the Covid-19 Pandemic, the Case of Bole –Sub City of Addis Ababa City Administration
(Addis Ababa University, 2022-06) Hana Bezabih; Emezat Hailu (PhD)
The research title entitles with exploring the contributing factors for the increasing of violence against women and girl at bole sub-city in the Addis Ababa city administration. This thesis therefore takes a closer look at the factors that contribute to the increasing of violence against women and girl at the time of COVID 19 in comparison with prior to COVID 19 at the study area, in Addis Ababa city administration. Qualitative research method is utilized in having an indepth interviewee and key informant interviewee .By using a snowball sampling technique and purposive sampling technique. Therefore, the result from the data indicated that the contributing factors for the increasing of violence against women and girls could be categorized in to two phases The first phase of the factors are the existing reasons of violence prior to the outbreak of COVID-19 such as poverty, trend of normalizing the case of violence, lack of awareness, trusting people without knowing the true personality of the perpetrator. The second phases are the new factors that came up with the following of the outbreak of the pandemic those are the existing of the pandemic by itself, lockdown, victims misperception that legal institution were closed, regarding dropping charges, regarding the increase of under-reported cases of violence, concerning the trend of Watching pornography image and video emotional factors. Therefore, as per the research finding those contributing factors that have existed prior to and after the outbreak of COVID-19 has played crucial role for the increase of violence against women and girl during the pandemic at Bole Sub-city of Addis Ababa city administration. The study also find out the impacts of violence on the lives of women and girls during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the impacts get worsened in line with COVID 19 further the study participant recommends their idea to prevent violence against women and girls when such pandemics occur in the future.
The contributions of Faith-Based Non-Governmental Organizations (FBNGOs) in addressing Gender-Related Issues via their project endeavour: The Case of ACT Alliance Member Organizations
(Addis Ababa University, 2023-02-20) Hildana Teklu; Emezat Hailu (PhD)
This research paper aimed to examine the role of a faith-based organization in addressing gender issues in Ethiopia. This research aimed to understand the role of religion via faithbased organizations, as to how they manage to address the gender issues in development work, and the challenges they face. A qualitative research design was used to achieve the research objective. For primary data collection, a semi-structured one-on-one in-depth interview was conducted, allowing the researcher to consider the voice of each organization's representatives in addition to the forum coordinator. Purposeful sampling was used, and the target group for this research paper was gender-focal persons, directors and program staff. To get in-depth knowledge about the challenges each organization face while maintaining their religious identities in the development arena and how their religious identity helps or hinder gender integration in development work. The finding of this research shows that faith-based organizations had a unique position in development endeavours because of its structure and acceptance in the community and how these organizations use this structure to address issues in the community. Even though these organizations have a religious background in their development work, they tend to separate their approaches. The presence of FBOs in the community made a definite difference, as community members trust these organizations more than secular NGOs. The target organizations implement projects collectively to bring every member to similar levels to create equal opportunity and understanding regarding gender-related issues in the project implementation area and within the organizations. The targeted organizations claim that faith does not orient their activities even if they are faith-based organizations. The project implementation of the member organizations of ACT Alliance aims to address the gender issues in Ethiopia directly and contributes to the achievement of national and international goals. Their centre of development work is mainly on mainstreaming the issue of gender inequality in different projects and using gender-focused programs. The research found that FBOs, particularly the members of ACT Alliance, have a strong potential and responsibility to contribute significantly to closing the gender gap in Ethiopia. In this regard, the researcher recommends the action to achieve gender equality should include collaboration among member organisations, and means to promote equal participation among members need to be strengthened.
Effects of COVID-19 pandemic on the Livelihood of Women Street Vendors in Gondar Town, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2022-07) Hiwot Amare; Hanna Tegegn (PhD)
This study aimed to explore the effects of COVID 19 on the livelihood of women street vendors, focusing on selected sites of Gondar town, Ethiopia. The research was conducted through qualitative research using a phenomenological approach. Purposive sampling was used to select participants and data was collected using in-depth interviews, key informant interviews, and observation. A total of 12 participants had recruited for the study. The collected data was analyzed through thematic analysis. Data analysis indicated that street vending was a livelihood strategy for women street vendors who were poor and uneducated. In terms of the effects of COVID19 on the livelihood of women street vendors, the study showed that COVID 19 had multidimensional effects on women street vendors such as hunger, food insecurity, and health-related risks like depression, stress, and anxiety. The study also revealed that the crisis and its subsequent shutdown response have resulted in a dramatic increase in the work burden of women and created a challenging environment both at home and in vending sites. The study indicated that women street vendors who took part in the study employed different forms of coping mechanisms via Faith, social support, decreasing expenditure, skipping a meal, withdrawing female students from school, giving young girls for marriage, and changing dietary habits with minimal nutritional values containing foods as a means to overcome the shock. Based on the findings of the study, the researcher recommends that governmental and non-governmental institutions should pay necessary attention to the lives of women street vendors in developing public health crisis management and should take pragmatic preventive policy-based measures.
Gender and Climate Change Adaptation: An Assessment of the Difference in Experience and Adaptive Capacities of Women and Men Pastoralists in the Five Lowland Districts of Bale Zone, Oromia Region.
(Addis Ababa University, 2022-06-20) Bezaye Negassa; Dilu Shaleka (PhD)
This thesis examines the gender implications of climate change adaptation. The main objective is to understand the difference in gendered climate change perception, experience, adaptation measures, and capacities of women and men agro-pastoralists of the five Lowland Districts of Bale Zone, Ethiopia. A community-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from June, 1-30, 2022. A mixed study with a quantitative household survey and an exploratory qualitative study was employed to explore the complex phenomenon and enhance triangulation. Thus, the study employed household surveys, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and field observations. The household survey covered 170 randomly selected households. In addition, 10 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with 8 members each, and 15 Key Informants (KIIs) participated in the qualitative study. In this study, 99.4% of agro-pastoralists perceived climate change in terms of reduced rainfall amount, increased temperature, drying of water sources, barren agricultural lands, short rainy season, and prolonged drought. A high rate of deforestation, fast population growth, and increased depletion of natural resources were the major factors highlighted by 78.2% of the participants as a cause of climate change. The study participants identified massive cattle deaths (40.6%), reduced crop yield, diminished animal products (40.0%), household food insecurity (10.0%), reduced crop yield (6.5%), and de-flocking of livestock (2.9%) as the consequence of climate change induced recurrent drought. Further analysis of gender and the effects of climate change revealed that in the study area, women are required to travel long hours since climate change affected resources critical for basic needs like water and firewood. In addition, the fact that women’s routine and time-taking roles restricted participation in social and economic activities. Moreover, the effect of climate change shifted the traditional role boundaries of women and men agro-pastoralists. This worsened women workload despite its positive implication on changed attitude for equal distribution of labor at household level. Despite women’s contribution to agro-pastoral activities, they did not enjoy equal rights to access, control over, and decide on key agro-pastoralist resources and household income. These increased their financial dependency, which may hinder their adaptive capacity to climate change effects. Furthermore, the climate change effect is exacerbating harmful traditional practices such as early and forced marriage to secure bride prices to subsidize the rest of the family. In addition, women and girls were exposed to safety and security risks as they traveled a long distance to collect water and firewood. This study also indicated that adaptation mechanisms employed by women and men agro-pastoralists vary. Men often actively engage in seasonal mobility and livestock diversification whereas women take on petty trade including selling charcoal, firewood, and animal products to better adapt to climate change. In this study, 52.9% and 60% of the participants witnessed that support from government and non-government institutions did not consider local coping strategies and the different or unique needs of women and men respectively. Thus, climate change adaptation measures and institutional (government and nongovernment) efforts should be based on the critical analysis and understanding of the intersection between climate change effects and the gender dynamics determining the experience, adaptation measures, and capacities of women and men agro-pastoralists to come up with a holistic approach for climate change adaptation.
Status of Young Women’s Participation in Leadership and Decisionmaking Positions of Public Institutions in Bahirdar Zuria District, Amhara, Ehiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2023-02) Tigist Fekadu; Emezat Hailu (PhD)
This research was conducted to assess the status of young women’s participation in leadership and decision-making positions in public institutions in Bahirdar Zuria district, Amhara Regional State. The researcher used the descriptive research method to achieve the objective of the study. The descriptive method was used because the study was going to be a fact-finding study with an adequate and accurate interpretation of possible findings. It used both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The sample was selected by purposive sampling. Purposive sampling was used as a technique to include managers and above among employees at public institutions in Bahirdar Zuria district, Amhara region, to inquire about the status of young women's participation in leadership positions. The questionnaire was validated through a literature review and advisor approval and distributed to 196 employees of the selected population. The instruments’ reliability was assessed through Cronbach’s alpha method, and the reliability coefficient was 0.798. The data was analyzed with the help of a Computer Statistical Package For Social Sciences (SPSS). The data analyzed was presented using tables, percentages, and a figure. The main finding of the research was that the proportion of young women in leadership is smaller than that of men in their organizations. Even if organizational policies promote inclusiveness and are not age- or gender discriminatory, a lack of transparency and good governance hinder women's participation in leadership and decision-making. Moreover, women are also negatively affected by a lack of affirmative action to empower them to participate in leadership and decision-making. It also found that societal perception and attitude towards women have negative impacts on the involvement of young women in leadership and decision-making. Awareness-raising, policy review and update, empowerment interventions, capacity building, gender-based affirmative action, and recruitment process review and update were recommended.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Gender Mainstreaming Among Employees at Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2023-01) Tigist Kassahun; Emebet Mahmoud Hassen (M.Sc.)
The main purpose of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices on gender mainstreaming of staff who are working in Ministry of Women and Social Affairs in Addis Ababa. The study followed mixed research approach, involving both qualitative and quantitative methods, and descriptive research design was employed. To this effects eight key-informant-interviews were conducted involving heads and team leaders from the departments of human resource management, finance and purchase, and plan and budget who were selected through purposive sampling; In addition, survey questionnaire was administered to 184 employees who engage in direct program implementation. Data on Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of sampled participants of the survey on gender mainstreaming were generated using sets of pertinent questions to be answered as Likert scale choices. The results revealed that, the participants in the study were aware of basic issues in gender mainstreaming, such as: gender inequality affects an organization’s performance; importance of gender mainstreaming for development; the need to have guidelines about gender mainstreaming and women’s participation in an organization etc. The respondent’s attitude on the needs of entitling women for positive discrimination during hiring is positive and high. Similarly, the participant’s outlook on the significance of the management’s role to ensure gender mainstreaming in the office is very good. The respondents in the study have mostly positive attitude on the women’s capability to do anything men can do. On the other hand, the participants moderately agreed with the natural equality of men and women, and have negative attitude on the positive discrimination entitlement of women at the workplace as a remedy for the inequalities in the past. With regards to practice of gender mainstreaming in the MoWSA, the participants claimed that the gender mainstreaming department is functional to some extent. In MoWSA the representation of women in higher decision-making positions were to some extent fair and also, MoWSA’s efforts towards gender mainstreaming is moderate. There are guidelines and circulars formulated by MoWSA that were implemented with the objectives of encouraging women inclusiveness, lessening gender disparity, empowering women to be professional and leaders in the implementation of gender mainstreaming and gender discourses. The organization’s reported status of practice on gender mainstreaming has positive correlation with awareness or knowledge of employees, whereas attitude score of employees did not show significant association with practice. Considering difference of score means of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice assessment scores between male and female employees, it was found that there is significant difference between men and women on their mean knowledge Attitude and Practice scores where mean knowledge score is lower for female employees and mean attitude and practice scores are higher for female employees compared to that of males. Therefore, MoWSA need to consider capacity building interventions to employees to improve gender mainstreaming implementation in the organization.
Investigating Evangelical Christian Leaders’ Attitudes Towards Child Marriage Practice. The Case Study of Wonsho Woreda, Sidama Region, Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2023-06) Turufat Tukura; Eunhye Chang (PhD)
Child marriage practice is one of major gender inequalities in the world. Evidence shows that in the world 250 million children were married before 15 years. Negative consequence of the practice costs countries to loss 2% of their gross domestic product. According to various studies religion is one of the social factors that drive child marriage in Ethiopia. As a consequence, the child brides from various forms of gender-based violence in the places where the practice is rampant. Thus, this study was conducted to investigate Evangelical Christian leaders’ attitudes toward child marriage practice in Wonisho woreda, Sidama region, Ethiopia. The study employed qualitative research to assess the perspectives and opinion of church leaders. To collect data, focused group discussion and key informant interview methods were employed to triangulate data. A Thematic analysis approach was employed to analyze the data. The major themes identified were church leaders’ attitude, economic factors, cultural factors, and religious factors, causes of child marriage, positive impacts, and negative impacts. The arguments of the study are based on classical liberal feminism and equalitarian liberal feminism. The attitudes of evangelical church leaders stem both from religious values and traditional rituals. As a consequence, some church elders agree that child marriage perpetuates social cohesion and social capital. However, results indicated that child brides encounter multidimensional forms gender-based violence. Sexual, economic, psychological, and physical are the major forms of gender-based violence. Based on the equalitarian liberal feminism argument the evangelical churches instill patriarchal and moralistic laws nuclear families to perpetuate gender system. Family counseling guideline which reiterates submission of wives to their husbands and advocacy of leadership role for husbands. Moreover, results of the study indicate that sermons of the churches could give attention to neither internal and domestic laws nor international conventions. This restricted the congregations specially women from appealing for their rights and body autonomy. Despite strict moralist laws that limits women access to options and increase risk of gender-based violence, the availability of different structures like youth, women, family, elders, and Sunday session are the major opportunities to child marriage response and prevention. Child marriage practice stems from a multifaceted factor. Thus, evidence-based responses and prevention strategies are imperative. Joint planning and advocacy initiatives among evangelical church leaders is advisable.
Gender Disaggregated Chickpea Yield Gap Analysis: The Case of Ada’a Woreda, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2021-01) Wubishet Chiche; Esubalew Abate (PhD)
The yield gap between FHHs and MHHs remain the major barrier for the efforts to reduce poverty in Africa. So as Ethiopia is from the country trapped by poverty, studying the magnitude of yield gap between FHHs and MHHs is important to provide solutions. Thus this research aimed to examine gender disaggregated Chickpea yield gap analysis in Ada Woreda, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. The potential chickpea producing kebeles selected are; Akaako, Denkaka, and Tullu-Dimtu from Ada’a Woreda. This study attempted to: assess whether there is chickpea yield gap between the potential and average farmers yield, assess whether there is chickpea yield gap between FHH and MHH farmers, and describe the underlying factors for the chickpea yield increment of both FHH and MHH farmers. The research used mixed research method which based on explanatory sequential design for supporting the quantitative data collected through survey method by qualitative data collected through FGD and KII. Multistage sampling method is used to select chickpea potential kebeles in Ada’a woreda and three kebeles were selected purposively from those potential kebeles. Finally, research participants were selected using simple random sampling. For the quantitative research 325 participants were involved and for the quantitative research 28 participants (24 for FGD and 4 KII) were involved. The major findings of this study are: the average farmers’ yield (157.185 kg ha-1) is statistically significantly lower by 157.185 kg ha-1 than potential yield (1700 kg ha-1) of chickpea in the study area. So depending on the traditional means of farming is the main factor that the identified. Additionally, average chickpea productivity of FHHs (1286.47 kg ha-1), is statistically significantly lower by 511.120 kg ha-1 (28.5%) than the average productivity of MHHs (1797.59 kg ha-1) in the study area. Thus, both Gender based constraints and technical abilities are factors identified for lower productivity of FHHs in the study area. Thus, the research recommends to bride the yield gap identified equal and equitable use of agricultural development activities without any discrimination for being FHHs and MHHs.
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.
Effects of Deployment on Military Spouses: The Case of Signal and Gofa Camp Military Residence Areas
(Addis Ababa University, 2023-06-20) Saba Mekonen; Hanna Tegegn (PhD)
The main objective of this study was to explore the effects of deployment on military spouses in the Ethiopian National Defense Force. A qualitative research approach was used. The target population of this study was thirty-two military spouses and nine military professionals from the Gender, Human Resource Management, Peacekeeping Operations, and Training, Legal, and Medical departments of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces. A purposeful sampling technique was used, and data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. The primary data were collected from purposively selected military professionals and military spouses using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions based on research questions and study objectives. Data from in-depth interviews, key informants, and focus group discussions were analyzed qualitatively using the thematic analysis method. The research result confirmed that ENDF military spouses faced challenges in relation to their psychological, economic, and social status during combat zone, peacekeeping, and training deployments of the service members. The study identified that the main deployment effects associated with military spouses are loneliness, fear of safety and security, stress, depression, sadness, family dissatisfaction, and financial difficulties. In addition, the study showed that personal, social, and organizational supports were the main coping mechanisms that military spouses adopted during deployment. Addressing the source of deployment effects, factors affecting military spouses’ well-being, and coping mechanisms, the study recommended the main measures that have to be taken by the organization in providing programs, services, and systems in order to fill institutional gaps for military spouses.
Women in the Non-Traditional Occupation: Work Experience of Professional Female Bus Drivers, Case Study on “Anbessa” City Bus Transportation Enterprise in Addis Ababa
(Addis Ababa University, 2023-04) Selamawit Alemu; Hanna Tegegn (PhD)
Women in male-dominated occupations face unique challenges and employ unique coping strategies, which affect their motivation and retention in these occupations. The objective of this research was to explore the experiences of women working in the male-dominated transportation industry in order to describe opportunities, clarify challenges, and identify coping strategies that allow them to advance in their careers. An exploratory qualitative study has been used predominantly to gain an in-depth understanding of the work experiences of female bus drivers working in the traditionally male-dominated transportation industry. A purposive sample of ten female bus drivers, five male bus drivers and nine key informants was used, and in-depth unstructured interviews were conducted to gather data on the work experiences of female bus drivers‟ work in ACBSE. Finally, beside the above major techniques, questionnaires have been distributed to female and male ACBSE employers to supplement the qualitative data with quantitative results. The central theme relevant to female bus drivers, according to the main findings, is the challenges inherent in their “work settings”. Challenges of gender stereotypes and social perception; organizational working culture and norms challenges; safety and security challenges; occupational-related health challenges; the challenges of work-life balance; and a lack of support were identified as the main challenges. To survive and succeed in the transportation industry female bus drivers employed various coping strategies including use of femininity at work, adopting male-types of characteristics and mentorship. The findings could help organizations develop and implement policies, strategies, and initiatives aimed at attracting, integrating, retaining, supporting, and motivating women who work or want to work in traditionally male-dominated occupations. Finally, the study points out some recommendations.
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.
Gender and Politics: Women’s Political Participation and Their Voice in Politics: The case of Ethiopian Parliament.
(Addis Ababa University, 2018-06-20) Frezer Abera; Tizita Mulugeta (PhD)
The main purpose of this study was to assess women’s political participation and their voice in politics. To deal with the problem, fundamental research questions were formulated to assess the women’s political participation and their voice in Ethiopian politics to enhance women’s political participation. To conduct the study, qualitative research method study design was deployed. The study was carried out in the House of People’s Representatives, and purposive and multistage and random sampling methods were used to select 25 female parliamentarians, 15 male parliamentarians. In addition, in order to explore political experiences of women in the Ethiopian parliament, snow ball sampling techniques were used. The main instruments of data collection were unstructured, in- depth interview and focus group discussion. The data were analyzed using descriptive content analysis. The finding of the study reveals that the majority of participants have acknowledged that descriptive political representation of Ethiopian women is improving. Further, dramatic increase from 0.5 percent representation in 1954 to 38.8 percent in 2015 that illustrated the positive result of commitment to address gender equality in the parliament. Women are efficiently participated in politics and they make a significant difference in the issues they prioritize and the solution they provoke comparing to previous time. Men informants have also recognized that women are more active in supporting legislations that will benefit women and children. Both men and women share common issues and bring different point of views in their legislative work to impact wider range of the society. From the findings of the study, it is possible to conclude that a lot of procedural and structural changes in the parliament that may perhaps help to promote gender equality in politics. However, men are still dominating and the parliament still maintains the tradition of male superiority. In contrast, women hold senior position in Ethiopian national parliament. They are mostly presented in “Soft political portfolio”. In its place, they are generally under-presented in “Hard political portfolio”. There are several factors that determine active political participation of women and their voice in politics. However, there is a general consensus that women parliamentarians have become a voice for women’s right advocacy and make a significant difference in bringing gender friendly agenda.
Exploring “Honor”- Based Violence among Women Living in Addis Ababa from Cultural and Human Rights Perspectives
(Addis Ababa University, 2023-02-20) Girmawit Dereje; Hirut Terefe (PhD)
“Honor” based violence (HBV) is a collective term for violence directed against women because it is believed their transgressions bring shame to their family or community, making HBV a global and policy concern. Literature shows that most explanations given for it are context-specific and culture-based. While all these issues pose problems, few studies have examined what they mean in Ethiopia. Seeking to strengthen knowledge, an exploratory study was conducted aimed at identifying how HBV is characterized among women living in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the challenges that survivors are experiencing, and the potential legal and structural constraints in addressing HBV. Sampled seven cases were referred, and in-depth interviews with eight survivors and sixteen key informants were conducted using a phenomenological research design. In addition, one focus group discussion session was held. Accordingly, the interpretative phenomenological analysis of this study revealed that HBV is practiced with the support of the patriarchal system. The notion of “honor” play is entrenched within religious misconceptions, culture, social orientation, gender norms, and different formal institutions. Survivors face a multitude of life costing challenges. This study sheds some light on HBV, which was overlooked in the Ethiopian context; thus, it has implications for conducting further in-depth studies and may move stakeholders to bring about improvements in women's lives. Employing feminist conscious-raising and empowerment, men, and boys’ engagement through a gender transformative approach to the dealing of HBV, and government efforts to reform structural and legal frameworks to promote women's equality, as the international human rights law calls, were the findings and concluding remarks to consider.
The Contribution of Urban Agriculture to Women’s Food Security at the Household Level: The Case of Akaki–Kaliti; Subcity, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2023-06-20) Hilena Amare; Emezat Hailu (PhD)
Urban agriculture in Addis Ababa city is being implemented by individual households and micro and small enterprises for various reasons. The main objective of this research is to assess the contribution of urban agriculture to the food security of urban women at the HH level. The study was done in two woredas (woreda 1 & 3) in the Akaki-kality sub-city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods were used in the study. In total two Focus Group Discussions were done from the two woredas and a total of 100 households purposively sampled were administered with a semi-structured questionnaire; four key informants were interviewed. The study used the Food Consumption Score to measure household’s food consumption, their main sources, and the main food groups consumed. The Finding showed that the income women obtained from urban agriculture contributes to the household’s food access through its role in improving their purchasing power and strengthening the coping capacity of women. This implies that the increased income for women due to practicing urban agriculture improves the food security of women at the household level. The result also showed the product women got from UA helps them to increase their food intake and balanced diet. Critical challenges of women participating in UA included: lack of access to adequate agricultural technologies, technical support for training, and agricultural inputs such as better seeds, seedlings, pullets, fertilizer, and pesticides. In addition, more urban agricultural land is needed. Apart from the efforts made by agricultural technical experts to organize UA beneficiaries, there are additional issues, such as institutional instability and improper delivery of the necessary technical assistance at all levels. This research recommended: there should be a focus on microeconomic programs (like improving the living standard) for women and reducing the living cost of society by taking measurements like easy access to credit; access to farming plot land through lease or renting and providing modern UA input by both the Govt and NGO; Extension and training on empowerment and advocacy to raise women’s voice in the HH. Providing necessary knowledge, technology, and skills for the production of better urban agriculture production by the women so that the women can be benefited from the UA to alleviate the food insecurity in the HH.

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