Ethiopian Women; Agents and Subjects in the Shimglna (a Customary Conflict Resolution Institution): Amharas' Experience in Meket District, North Wollo Zone

Mekuanint Tesfaw
2015 Sociology and Anthropology  
The insufficiently studied issues of women in the Shimglna in Meket District of North Wollo Zone of Amhara National Regional state were the centre of the study. A qualitative approach with its data collection techniques (FGD, interview and observation) used. The Study found that women involve in marital conflicts and other conflicts. In search of solutions, the Shimglna plays vibrant roles. In the process, in some areas of the district, women participate as plaintiffs, defendants and rarely as
more » ... ediators. However, in other areas of the district, the participation of women is limited, and there are still women whose participation is through their male relatives. While the participation of women in the Shimglna is low, conflicts involving women are addressed in equal basis with men. On the other hand, women's low turnout in the Shimglna has indirect adverse effects on the resolution processes of conflicts involving them. However, the belief of the society in which women are considered inferior and men are superior is not yet fully resolved. Moreover, the paradox between the legal jurisdiction of the Shimglna to address only family and personal matters restricts the scope of the Shimglna.
doi:10.13189/sa.2015.030204 fatcat:nfzj22nqyfdbxlbnfj3m7n52nu