Women’s Rights: A journey to the heart of positive change in Ethiopia
By Nisha Lama Karki, ActionAid Ireland GBV Protection Coordinator
After a short hour-long flight from Addis Ababa to Jimma, our journey was far from over. A five-hour drive lay ahead, taking us through the lush terrain of Omia District in southwestern Ethiopia where the ActionAid’s Women’s Rights Programme III, funded by Irish Aid, is making a huge difference. The drive took us along a winding road through rolling green hills, dense forests and clusters of small houses. Along the way, we passed cattle lazily grazing by the roadside. Our destination was Kuka Kebele in Shey Bench, where we received a joyous welcome from women whose lives are being transformed.
Violation of human rights
Ethiopian women face significant barriers due to legal gaps denying them equal economic and social opportunities. Gender-based violence remains prevalent, with cases of rape, abduction, and excessive dowry demands (up to 100,000 Birr – apprx €694) creating cycles of abuse. Religious and community leaders often push for mediation rather than justice, while the legal system remains weak and creates significant barriers for women in their fight for justice.
Women’s Rights Programme III
The programme works directly with the Bench and Menja communities in Kuka Kebele, focusing on advancing women’s rights through a rights-based approach addressing violence, economic inequality, and resource access. The indigenous Bench community primarily farms, while the unjust stigma that for generations has labelled the Menja community, as “untouchable” has shaped their exclusion from broader society.
The purpose of our visit was to listen, learn and witness the impact of the Women’s Rights Programme III first hand. What we found was more than just data or stories. It was resilience, hope and a community embracing change.
New chapter for women in the Menja Community
One of the striking transformations we witnessed with women from the Menja Community was significant improvement in health, hygiene, and nutrition through training sessions, kitchen gardening, and poultry farming.
But perhaps the most powerful change is that women are stepping forward, breaking the silence, and reporting cases of violence where once they were silent. Seeing them advocate for their rights is both inspiring and a testament to the impact of sustained support and awareness.
Etagen’s story
Before the introduction of the Irish Aid-funded Women’s Empowerment Programme III, life was a struggle for Etagen Mulatu, Chairperson of the Women’s Watch Group which aims to reduce harmful traditional practices and gender-based violence, and encourages women to take leadership roles.
Since ActionAid Ethiopia started working in her community, Etagen told us she has seen positive change, including a reduction in abductions, harmful traditional practices and early marriages.
Because of her membership in a credit cooperative she was able to get a loan of 3000 birr (around €21) which she used to buy two sheep which are now pregnant. She was also given soaps and utilities for personal hygiene by ActionAid.
Etagen said: “When ActionAid Ethiopia began working in our community, so much started to change. Menja women were highly marginalised, and they could not eat with other communities, now we commune and eat together. Ever since ActionAid came, we stopped harmful traditional practices.”
“Men never used to shared work and now after ActionAid Ethiopia’s intervention, work is shared. Women now have a voice in decision making and now women are united.”
Etagen says she now feels confident to raise issues and concerns as a result of the capacity strengthening sessions she has undergone. Her son is becoming a nurse, and she sells tea and coffee, earning income to support her family.
Challenges still exist
While change is happening, deep-rooted inequalities and systemic persist. Discrimination continues to restrict the full participation of women in social and economic life.
GBV remains deeply connected with economic and legal systems, particularly through dowry practices and weak justice structures.
Economic empowerment alone is not enough – social norms must shift. While women participate more in cooperatives and farming, their opportunities remain limited by persistent gender inequalities and resource access barriers.
Hope for the future
Social inclusion is as crucial as economic empowerment. The Menja Community’s experience highlights the need for inclusive policies that create opportunities while dismantling social hierarchies.
Real change requires legal, economic, and societal transformation. Ending violence, discrimination, and economic exclusion demands united effort from communities, leaders, and organisations to create a just future for all.
Read more here.
