Abstract:
The different ethnic groups in Ethiopia have developed their own indigenous mechanism to deal with conflicts. Addis-Zemen town community is among those ethnic groups with their own conflict resolution mechanism. The main purpose of this study is to explore mediation for spousal conflict in Addis-Zemen town. The research design that the researcher employed was a qualitative approach and case study design. The respondents selected using purposive sampling technique. The primary data were collected using instruments such as in-depth interview, key informants and focus group discussions. The data collected from primary sources were organized thematically and analyzed qualitatively. The findings of the study reveal that, selecting mediators, identification of reasons for spousal conflict, meet the conflicting spouses face to face and involving in decision making is the process of spousal conflict mediation. Advice, admire, reprove and discus alternatives was employed by mediators as the strategies to mediate spouses in conflict. Furthermore; saving time and money, ensure confidentiality, mutuality and participatory and increased control and outcomes of mediation were the benefits of mediation for spouses in conflict. The mediators played educating, experience sharing, cooperative, advocacy, minimizing the workloads of the court and empowerment roles when they mediate spouses in conflict. Lack of referral, selection of mediators, and situation of conflict and personality of spouses, lack of enforcement, gender specific, disvalue of mediation by the people and lack of support from the government were the challenges of mediators when they mediate conflicting spouses. Thus, social workers should promote the role of mediators and minimizing their challenges to mediate conflicting spouses and the government should pay more attention for mediators who mediate