Ethiopia has been practicing various traditional arbitration systems for many centuries used as conflict resolution mechanisms for maintaining social solidarity and strengthening communities. This practice has also been exercised for many years in Raya kobo community since the community has their own peculiar social, cultural and religious traits that encourage traditional arbitration system. But, the Ethiopian academic scholars have rarely seen the gender aspects of this societal practice. To this effect, this study is attempted to explore the practice of traditional arbitration systems from the gender perspective by giving a special emphasis for gender based violence. To meet the objective of the study, qualitative research method with case study research design was employed. Semi-structure interview and focus group discussion were used as data collection tools. The data elicited from interview and focus group discussion was analyzed through thematic qualitative data analysis techniques. However, the research found that women used traditional arbitration system because of its basis in their culture and the fact that it is a familiar and known concept. It was seen too often blame women for the cases of violence presented and women users were dissatisfied with this characteristic. A woman who presents a complaint of violence to a traditional arbitration hearing cannot be guaranteed that ‘justice’ in the true sense of t he word will be delivered. Women have minimal and often superficial participation in justice hearings and find that the rulings which are passed are often based on the administrators of justice own biases and cultural beliefs regarding women’s status in society. The current tensions between the traditional and formal system holders are doing little to foster a secure and supportive environment in which women can access justice for crimes of violence. A formal engagement between the two is needed. This type of arrangement would facilitate a response to local justice holders’ requests for recognition of their practices and ensure that cases are not being lost. Such engagement would also allow the debilitating cultural practices within traditional arbitration system to be addressed and changes which need to take place facilitated in a way that is inclusive and supportive of all stakeholders. Key Words: Traditional Arbitration System, Domestic Violence, Raya Kobo Wereda and Ethiopia