Formation of ESSSWA’s Eastern Chapter
i) Formation of Eastern Chapter
Following a series of contacts and discussions made with Jigjiga University’s Department of Sociology and based on the department’s repeated request; ESSSWA’s Eastern chapter was established on 10 Nov, 2015. This activity was possible by the financial support of Oak Foundation to implement a project on: “Enhancing Institutional and Research Capacities to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation”.
There were 33 male and 7 female in total 40 participants drawn from three universities in the eastern part of the country (Jigjiga, Dire Dawa and Haromaya) teaching either Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology courses. These participants are potential members of ESSSWA. The formation of the east chapter involved, among others,
a) Signing of Project Cooperation Agreement (PCA) with the University’s Vice Dean that largely contains improving research capacities and training on the prevention of child sexual abuse and exploitation in the area, and
b) Election of five Chapter Executive Committee members that comprise the chair person, vice chairperson, secretary, cashier and a member.
In the process of forming the east chapter, ESSSWA’s objectives as stated in its bylaws, strategic direction and the projects under implementation were presented and discussed. Participants and university heads have confirmed that the opening of the east regional chapter is both timely and relevant location wise as themes such as child trafficking; abuse and neglect are rampant in the area. Moreover, the chapter will have strong comparative advantage of the region featured by clan-based social organization system and related cultural practices.
ii)The Region’s Relevance for ESSSWA’s Activities
ESSSWA’s presence in the eastern part of Ethiopia touching a different cultural diversity in a seemingly homogeneous Somali society has paramount implications for sociological and anthropological researchers. This is the area with unique features starting from social organization in a clan system to cultural practices related to HTPs and child marriage practices and the social consequences thereof.
To be more specific:
One of the best features of Somali’s culture is their communal way of living, mutual help, sharing of resources and eating together that really promotes social cohesion.
However, there is much to be desired by professionals in the field in tackling existing harmful traditional practices (HTPs) such as Female Gentile Mutilation (FGM), abuse of children’s labor and child marriages.
Child victimization, absence of diversion or correction centers and referral pathways for children in conflict with the law is also another feature of the area,
The livelihood culture of the people in the region is characterized by a dominantly pastoral nature with limited ago-pastoral production practices,
In most socioeconomic activities, women bear heavy duties in child rearing, household responsibilities and in earning household income compared to their male counter parts,
Clan based land ownership exhibits both positive and negative features for the regions’ socioeconomic development. As the land is owned by specific clans, land is a communal property with a potential of positively tackling clan members’ landlessness. However, unless clan members are able to effectively utilize that communal land, there is limited opportunity to attract external investors.