Field and river

20th International Conference of Ethiopian Studies (ICES20)
Mekelle University, Ethiopia

"Regional and Global Ethiopia - Interconnections and Identities"
1-5 October, 2018

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OROMOO INSTITUTIONS FOR WOMEN EMPOWERMENT [Abstract ID: 1102-02]

DEREJE Fufa Bidu, Jimma University, Ethiopia

In Africa, where the largest proportions live in rural communitites, efforts of women empowerment are insignificantly fruitful. The present study explores Oromoo culture as an example to explicate its potentials to empower women at a grassroots level. Data was collected through observations, interviews, focus group discussions, and intensive and extensive document analyses, interpreted using Turner’s ritual theory. The results reveal powerful women institutions ignited with belief systems at various age levels to exhibit gender equality even though colonialism and modernization weakens them in many localities. They have potential to exploit as resourceful establishments to bring to modern contexts. Many cultures may have similar establishments to exploit to bring about gender equality, which the study recommends.