dc.description.abstract |
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 |
en_US |