Ethiopian Society of Sociologists, Social Workers and Anthropologists
(ESSSWA) Proceedings On Twelfth Annual Conference With a theme:
Attaining Sustainable Development Goals in GTP-II by Ensuring the Protection of Children from Abuse and the Social Benefits of Citizens
4-5 March 18, 2016
Desalegn Hotel; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background
General context and objectives
The Ethiopian Society of Sociologists, Social Workers and Anthropologists (ESSSWA) was found in June 1996 and received its legal registration in 1997 from Ministry of Justice. ESSSW, as a professional Ethiopian resident charity organization, aims at playing a facilitation role in tapping the potentials of those professions. It works to develop members’ professional competence and enhance their contribution to the country’s socio-economic development and assist government, civil society organizations, the private sector and communities in translating the various development policies and strategies into action.

ESSSWA strives to contribute towards ensuring an all-inclusive social development in Ethiopia. Social inclusion is understood as a process of improving the ability, opportunity and dignity of people and the disadvantaged on the basis of their identity to take part in society. ESSSWA also perceives social development as an upward mobility of the entire society on fair and equitable distribution of socio-economic benefits to citizens.

ESSSWA’s previous conferences had adequate focus on a range of issues including Social Welfare and Safety Nets for Vulnerable Social Groups, Social Transformation through Social Protection, the Implications of the GTP for Vulnerable Segments of the Population, and Social Protection: The Basis for Social Development and Transformation. This twelfth annual conference thematically focused more on “Attaining Sustainable Development Goals in GTP-II by Ensuring the Protection of Children from Abuse and the Social Benefits of Citizens”.

The overall objective of the conference was to facilitate the platform for members and share ideas on how to contribute to social development and internalize policy implementation strategies. Accordingly, the twelfth conference was expected to provide participants with wealth of knowledge and information in three major focus areas, i.e. Violence against Children, Disadvantaged Social Groups and Good Practices in the field of child welfare. In specific terms, the following were the desired objectives of the conference:

(i) Creating a Platform for Thematic research Papers that would enhance academic and practitioners’ debates on an all-inclusive social transformation, with a focus on sub-themes including: marginalized social groups, group and individual vulnerabilities, migration and human trafficking, government/public and society’s response to social protection needs etc.
(ii) Enabling participants to reflect views and share good practices on gender oriented child focused programming and other social services,
(iii) Familiarizing ESSSWA members, in particular and other participants in general, about the opportunities and challenges of the global and country contexts in light of Sustainable Development, the GTP-II and Social Protection Policy for an enhanced social development and transformation.
(iv) Come up with responsive Strategic Directions and program recommendations that would help nurture and shape the social transformation process of the country.

Major Workshop sessions

The workshop contained three major sessions. First, the opening remark and award ceremony for better achievers institutionally and individually on the occasion of ESSSWA’s 2016 twelfth conference was held. Then, selected research findings and lessons learned presentation were held and followed by questions and answers in the session, through the process, interactive discussions among participants facilitated by experienced professionals/practitioners. Finally, ESSSWA’s organizational matters were presented to the audience and reflections and feedbacks were forwarded by participants, and, finally closing remarks of the conference were forwarded.

Participants
Yearly annual conferences of ESSSWA has helped members to exchange information, knowlegde and experinces and serve as a platform to learn from each other. members are able to establish professional networks that extends to different regions, practitioners from both government offices and CSOs as well as higher education institutions. The three interlinked disciplines of ESSSWA are, therefore, subjects of broad interest for the annual conference, which have also helped it to continuously widen its scope.
Besides, non-members of ESSSWA who are serving a wide range of government, private, CSO and international organizations representing the following organisations also took part in the conference.
 Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs
 Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs
 Representatives from Bilateral and multilateral agencies including UNICEF, DFID, USAID and Plan International
 HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Office
 Jouralizts from media agencies
 12 Public,private and Faithbased Universities

Welcome statement by Kebede Ayele, Chairperson of ESSSWA Board

His Excellency: Honorable Yalew Abate
Speaker, House of Federation
Ms Gillian Mellsop, UNICEF Ethiopia Representative
Invited Guests,
Dear Members, Partners, Friends and Supporters of ESSSWA
Ladies and Gentlemen

It is my honor and pleasure to welcoming you to this 12th Annual Conference of the Ethiopian Society of Sociologists, Social Workers and Anthropologists (ESSSWA).

As its name indicates, ESSSWA represents the interests of members and professionals drawn from three core disciplines (Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology). ESSSWA was established in June 1996 with the objective to play a key role in tapping the potentials of the professions and members in the social and economic development of the country. Since its establishment, ESSSWA has played active role in national development programs, designed and delivered research products in key priority areas, and provided membership services. Today, ESSWA has become Association of national importance.

Your Excellency,
Distinguished Guests,
Dear Members,
Ladies and Gentlemen

I would like to take this opportunity to report some of the remarkable achievements recorded in the reporting year, 2015.
Implementation of the USAID funded project, Strengthening Public Sector Social Service System in Ethiopia, is on course. The project is being implemented in four regional states (Tigray, Amhara, Oromia and SNNP) and two city administrations (Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa). The ultimate objective of the project is to improve the Ethiopian social service systems with primary focus on strengthening social service delivery and workforce development in the country. The project is working with Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (MoLSA), regional Bureaus of Labor and Social Affairs (BoLSAs) and TVETs to train and build the skills of 4,000 Para-professionals and community level social workforce in the four regions and the two city-administrations. The result so far shows that more than 2005 social service trainees have graduated and deployed, 325 trainees are in training and registration for more ne w trainees is underway.

These achievements may not have been possible if it was not for the financial support of USAID as well as the unreserved institutional and leadership support of MoLSA. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to them and request you to join me with big applaud.

As you know, Oak Foundation has been the long-term funding partner of ESSSWA. We may not have reached the stage where we are at today if it was not for their generous and genuine support. You may remember that I reported last year we had application with Oak Foundation for new funding and that it was promising. I am pleased and honored to report to you, now, that the fund has been approved and the project implementation has started. The new Oak Foundation project, entitled, Enhancing Institutional and Research Capacities to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation, has set as its goal to contribute towards creating a safer environment for the growth and wellbeing of children in Ethiopia focusing on prevention of vulnerable children from becoming victims of sexual abuse and exploitation. The Project aims to achieve this by supporting institutional capacities of ESSSWA and its partners, and by improving the analytical skills of young researchers to generate new knowledge and promote good practice to address the existing and emerging challenges of child protection.

The ESSSWA board and the secretariat, in particular the Executive Director, are working hard to make ESSSWA a financially strong and stable Association, so that it makes greater contribution to the national development. Broadening ESSSWA’s funding source and strengthening its membership base remains a priority. In this connection, our partnership with UNICEF, which started last year with funding for the 11th Annual Conference, has grown to a more strategic partnership. They have generously given a one-year funding for research, publications and dissemination platforms as well as capacity-building.

Your Excellency,
Distinguished Guests,
Dear Members,
Ladies and Gentlemen
Our Regional Chapters have reached seven this year. In this regard, voluntary leaders and workers of ESSSWA’s regional chapters as well as the host universities deserve deep appreciation.
This Annual Conference of ESSSWA is made possible due to the financial assistance of UNICEF and Oak Foundation. My heartfelt thanks also go to these two these generous strategic partners.

I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to the resource persons who devoted their invaluable time and expertise in preparing their presentations that are ready to be shared with us today. Also, I thank you all for making the time and effort to attend this conference.

Last but not least, I would like to thank my board member colleagues, whom I respect and enjoy working with; the ESSSWA Executive Director, who is tirelessly working for the growth of ESSSWA and has already made a lot of difference; and the multi-tasked staff of ESSSWA. My heart-felt thanks go to you all.

I kindly request every one of you to actively participate in the conference to make it more lively and useful. I expect the turnout this afternoon and tomorrow will be the same as this morning.

Welcome and thank you!!!!

March 4, 2016

Key Note Address Statement by Ms. Gillian Mellsop, UNICEF Representative to Ethiopia

Excellency,
Distinguished members and partners of Ethiopian Society of Sociologists, Social Workers and Anthropologists Association (ESSSWA)
Distinguished Representatives of different government institutions
Distinguished Representatives of Development Partners and the International Community
Media partners,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am honored to be here with you today at the 12th Annual Conference of the Ethiopian Society of Sociologists, Social Workers and Anthropologists Association (ESSSWA). The theme of the conference, “Attaining Sustainable Development Goals in GTP II by Ensuring the Protection of Children from Abuse and the Social Benefits of Citizens”, is highly relevant to Ethiopia as it is currently embarking on the SDGs and the implementation of the GTP II with a long-term vision to become a middle income country.

Over the past 15 years global partners, including governments, development agencies such as UNICEF and communities have worked diligently to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which provided the framework for accelerated development.
As a result, significant progress for children and their families around the world has been achieved. For example, the number of people living in extreme poverty has been halved and today twice the numbers of children are living to see their fifth birthdays than 15 years ago. In addition, new HIV infections are reduced by 40 per cent, over two billion people have gained access to clean water, and 43 million more children are enrolled in school. Ethiopia has surpassed the global average with the achievement of 6 out of 8 MDGs.
However, despite these impressive statistics, far too many children, especially the poorest, most vulnerable children and families are left behind, hidden in national averages and invisible to most of the world. The experience from the MDGs has shown that there is a need to move ‘beyond the national averages’. UNICEF has firmly placed these forgotten children at the heart of its agenda. Where 80 per cent of children are vaccinated, we focus our efforts on the 20 per cent who are the hardest-to-reach. If children are excluded because of gender, disability or geography, we tailor programmes and influenced policies to give them a better chance in life. Every child deserves every opportunity, no exceptions. Equity is and will be our driving force – and inclusiveness is the guiding principle for the Sustainable Development Goals. With the world and Ethiopia having committed to the SDGs in 2015, we now have an opportunity to advance the rights and well-being of every child.
The SDGs are a new universal set of 17 goals that Ethiopia will be expected to use to frame its own agenda and policies over the next 15 years.
The process is government-led, with governments setting their national targets by taking into account national circumstances in a global effort to jointly achieve apparitional universal goals. UNICEF, along with the UN Country Team, will work together to support the Government of Ethiopia to achieve the SDGs and will use the GTP II as the overarching framework for mainstreaming the SDGs at all levels, and integrating them into national, sectoral, sub-national, and local plans for development strategies, policies and related budget allocations.

The SDGs place the principle of equity at the heart of the new agenda to ensure inclusion of marginalized and disempowered groups in development plans. In accordance with this, UNICEF will provide support to enhance partners’ capacity for analysis and evidence-based planning to ensure that no girl or boy is left behind. UNICEF’s commitment to “leave no one behind” includes the setting of a national target to measure and monitor child wellbeing with a multidimensional and child-sensitive measurement of poverty. Indeed, the first Sustainable Development Goal aims to “end poverty in all its forms everywhere”.

The success of achieving GTP II and the SDGs greatly lies on the following three aspects that I would like to highlight today because they are relevant to the theme of this important conference:

First, we must ensure that social budgeting needs to be monitored tracked and reported. As the Addis Ababa Action Agenda has outlined, the SDGs will take place in an altered global aid financing environment with more reliance on domestic public funding sources. Goal 17, which states to strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development, and its target to strengthen domestic resource mobilization, is a call for Ethiopia to increasingly rely on domestic financing for the country’s development. It is through government budgets that policies and commitments to children can be implemented and services to children delivered. Therefore, there is a strong case for child budget advocacy to influence the process and outcomes of budgeting in order to make government budgets responsive to all children and ensure those children’s issues such as child health, early childhood development, recreation and social protection are top spending priorities of the Government of Ethiopia.
Second, we need to ensure that social inclusion is a key driver for development. Goal 1, ending poverty, goal 8, decent work and economic growth, and goal 10, reduced inequalities, highlight the importance of an integrated social protection systems as a mechanism to lift vulnerable citizens, of which women and children are a core component, out of poverty and vulnerability. Ethiopia will progressively implement a social protection system to support those who cannot support themselves. Targeting the poorest of the poor and the most vulnerable through social protection programmes linked to basic social services enables families to protect, provide for and invest in their children. The National Social Protection Policy in Ethiopia includes a pillar focusing on addressing violence, abuse and exploitation. The Government of Ethiopia requires support from all actors in the society to promote and implement this specific pillar.
Third, we need to make sure that development and the decision making process will be participatory. This is reflected in the Sustainable Development Goal 16 which states to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development focuses on decision-making with particular reference to participation of vulnerable groups, such as women. UNICEF strongly supports initiatives that promote the participation of disadvantaged social groups, such as pastoralist and the disabled, with a focus on young people who are the torch bearers of development.
Finally, I would like to end with a quote from our UNICEF Executive Director, Anthony Lake who reminds us that although statistics remain the means by which we will measure our progress, “the true measure will be in every child lifted out of poverty; through every mother who survives childbirth; and every girl who does not lose her childhood to early marriage.”

By focusing our collective attention on reaching children affected by violence, disaster, poverty, vulnerability, discrimination and climate change we will not only be protecting their rights but helping them to reach their full potential and contribute to overall progress in Ethiopia.

I look forward to the outcomes of this critical meeting and wish you all fruitful deliberations.

I thank you!!

Opening Statement: by His Excellency Yalew Abate,

Distinguished and Honored Guests
Dear members and partners of ESSSWA
Dear Participants
Ladies and gentlemen
It is indeed an honor for me to be with you this morning at the Opening Session of the 12th Annual Conference of the Ethiopian Society of Sociologists, Social Workers and Anthropologists (ESSSWA). Both as a professional allay of ESSSWA and on behalf of the House of Federation of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, I would like to congratulate ESSSWA and its financial sponsors: USAID, Oak Foundation and UNICEF, for making this very timely and important conference that gives special focus on: “Attaining Sustainable Development Goals in GTP II by Ensuring the Protection of Children from Abuse and the Wellbeing of Citizens”.

As you all know, ESSSWA as an umbrella of three interlinked disciplines is as old as 19 years. Founding members of ESSSWA saw the importance of forming a unified and strong professional society than creating three weak separate associations within the same professional family. In almost two decades of its existence, ESSSWA has been striving to develop members’ professional competence and enhance their contribution to the country’s development using applied researches. It is indeed committed to improve the social well being of the Ethiopian people through using knowledge and skills in Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology.
As my educational background dictates me to be a strong sympathizer of ESSSWA, I have observed from its establishment through all the years of its experiences that it strives to contribute for an all-inclusive social development in Ethiopia. Social inclusion is understood as a process of improving the ability, opportunity and dignity of people, disadvantaged on the basis of their identity to take part in society. ESSSWA also perceives social development as an upward mobility of the entire society on fair and equitable distribution of socio-economic benefits to citizens.

Ladies and gentlemen
In favor of these facts, the government took the commitment to design a comprehensive
social protection policy which is in confirmity with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDG also promotes shared issues of Ethiopias GTP2 i.e.:
 Dignity of people and the country they live in by ending poverty and fighting inequality,
 Ensuring healthy lives, knowledge, the inclusion of women and children,
 Build/grow a strong, inclusive and transformative economy,
 Protection of our ecosystem for the wellbeing of societies and children,
 Safe and peaceful societies and strong institutions, and
 Catalyze global solidarity for sustainable development.

It is now clear that ample opportunties are created for ESSSWA and other development partners to contribute for shared agendas of SDG, GTP2 and the National Social Protection Policy to the benefit of women, children, disadvantaged social groups and the society at alarge.
Dear Participants
Although there is a great intent and action to promote the above types of social protection measures in this country, we do also recognize that the plan for expanding and reaching our social protection and safety nets schemes for citizens in need is not by any means smooth given our scarce financial and technical resources as well as our institutional set ups. We do still have large number of urban unemployment and rural underemployment in the country. Nationally, it is evident that increased urbanization process and rapid trends of individual wealth accumulation is leading to the breakdown of the coping mechanisms and support capacities of informal social safety nets, social exchange and community support mechanisms. This justifies the need for professionals’ engagement towards creating a system for an all-inclusive approach to function. In all these efforts of translating the noble idea of social-inclusion into a real practice, the three interlinked professions of Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology would inevitably greatly contribute in meeting the country’s needs.
Ladies and gentlemen,
In relation to this, I would like to further encourage the Ethiopian Society of Sociologists, Social Workers and Anthropologists, to become a stronger development partner and play a more proactive role in serving as a platform for linking policy makers, practitioners and the academics serving as knowledge hub, dialogues and actions on social protection and citizens’ welfare in our country. It is also my conviction that this conference will serve as an important platform to cross-fertilize ideas, promote professional debates and promote constructive dialogue among the various stakeholders. We need to make use of innovations, new research findings and good practices to increase the quality and scope of our social protection measures. We do also need to strengthen synergized coordination to avoid duplication of efforts and resources to enhance social development and safety nets in this country.
Dear Participants
Ladies and gentlemen,
With this remarks, it is now my pleasure to declare that the 12th Annual Conference of the Ethiopian Society of Sociologists, Social Workers and Anthropologists Association (ESSSWA) is officially opened.
I wish you very successful deliberations.
I thank you.

The 2016 Award of ESSSWA

ESSSWA has started to award individuals and institutions yearly in recognizing their remarkably contribution in the social sector development. Therefore, this year two individuals and two institutions were selected by the current Board and the award ceremony has held on the annual conference. The General Assembly has rewarded Dr. Guday Emirie and Dr. Hirut Terefe from individual category and Macedonia Home for the Elderly and Mentally Disabled and Muday Charity Association from institutional award category.

The Bio-data of Individual Awardees.

1. Dr. Guday Emirie
Dr. Guday Emirie is an Assistant Professor of Social & Cultural Anthropology at Addis Ababa University (AAU). She received her first degree (BA in Philosophy) and her second degree (MA in Social Anthropology) from AAU. She also received her PhD in Ethnology (Social & Cultural Anthropology) from Göttingen University, Germany. She has 28 years of teaching and research experiences at public higher institutions in Ethiopia.
She has also extensive ethnographic fieldwork experiences on Early Marriage & Girls’ Education, Gender-Based Violence, Gender Sensitive Social Protection, Diversity in Gender Role Socialization across Generations, Gender & Migration, Gender & Climate Change, and the Socio-Cultural Aspects of Climate Change. Her research interests also include Culture, Gender, Education, Indigenous Medicine, Indigenous Farming Knowledge, Indigenous Conflict/Dispute Resolution Mechanisms, Social Protection, Environment, Migration, Social Integration of Migrant Returnees, and Development.
She has given short-term lectures on “Social Life and Culture in Ethiopia,” for Swedish Students from Dalarna University in May 2000, 2001, 2002 and April 2003 at Kotebe University Education, Addis Ababa. She has also given short-term trainings on gender issues to public higher education male and female students.
She has published her PhD Dissertation and co-published several articles and book chapters on early marriage, girls’ education, gender, migration and development issues. She has also prepared five teaching materials for higher education face-to-face as well as distance courses on civic and social issues. She has reviewed several graduate curricula, gender issues research proposals as well as reports and journal manuscripts.
She was a team leader as well as principal investigator of major national research projects on:
(1) “Violence against Girls in Primary Schools and Its Impacts on Girls’ Education in Ethiopia”;
(2) “The Impact of Productive Safety-Net Programme on Childhood Poverty Reduction: Implications on Child Education in Ethiopia”;
(3) “The Role of Floriculture Sector in Empowering Women in Ethiopia”; and
(4) “Diversity in Gender Role Socialization across Three Generations among Peasant Communities in Amhara Region of Ethiopia.”

Currently, she is involved in national research projects on: (1) “Ethiopia National Child Marriage Mapping Study”; (2) “Cultural and Environmental Values of Medicinal Plants in Ethiopia”; (3) “The Gender and Socio-Cultural Aspects of Building Climate Resilience in the Face of Changing Environment in the Blue Nile Basin”; and (4) “Transforming the Lives of Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Ethiopia”. she is also supervising and/or co-supervising nine PhD Students on research themes related to: (1) “Gender and Environment” (AAU); (2) “Gendered Patterns of Social Integration of Ethiopian Returnees from Sudan” (AAU); (3) “The Educative Role of Ethnographic Museums” (AAU); (4) “Indigenous Farming Knowledge” (AAU); (5)“Indigenous Belief Systems” (AAU); (6) “Indigenous Legal Knowledge” (AAU); (7)“Gender Asymmetry in Academia” (UNISA); (8) “The Impact of Community Managed Forest Regeneration Projects on the Well-Being of Women and Children” (UNISA); and (9) ‘Gender Mainstreaming in Ethiopia: Opportunities, Practices, and Challenges in Economic Development Schemes and Political Institutions of Jimma Zone, Oromia Region.”
She has given different professional and administrative services: (1) Addis Ababa University Gender Policy Developing Team Member (Feb. 2014-July 2014); (2) Liaison Officer, the Ethiopia Chapter of the Organization for Social Science Research in Eastern and Southern Africa (OSSREA) (January 2008-March 2014); (3) Associate Dean for Graduate Studies & Research, College of Social Sciences (CSS), AAU (2009-2010); (4) Head, Gender Office, CSS, AAU (2008-2009); (5) Head, Research & Publication Office, Kotebe University College (KUC) (2005-2007); and (6) Head, Department of Philosophy, Economics and Civics, KUC (2000-2001). Furthermore, she has been serving as founding member, secretary and vice-chairperson of different professional associations in Ethiopia. She has received different awards related to excellence in research and professional performance.

ESSSWA is appreciative of Dr.Guday’s efforts and contribution in promoting the well-being of the mostvulnerable and marginalised segments of the community; particularly the orphaned children and the elderly. She is indeed a vibrant and energetic woman and has become
a model for other Ethiopians in academic, research and community participation engagements. Considering her contribution in the area of human capital formation, awareness and community mobilization in fighting early marrige, the Board of ESSSWA has decided to grant her the 2016 Individual Award of ESSSWA in the 12th annual conference.

2. Dr. Hirut Terefe

Dr. Hirut Terefe is an Associate Professor of Social Anthropology at Addis Ababa University (AAU). She received her first degree (BA in sociology and anthropology) and her second degree (MA in demography) from AAU. She also received her PhD in Social Anthropology from Gottingen University, Germany. Since 1979, she has been teaching and conducting researches in Addis Ababa University.

Administratively, she was responsible for different positions in serving her community: she was Department head, Sociology and Anthropology Dpt. 1994-1997; Director, Anti-Corruption Office, AAU 2002-2008; Director, Institute of Gender Studies, 2010—2011; President for the Assembly of the Ethiopian Society of Population Studies (ESPS) as of 2005; VP/P. Of ESSWA, 2002-2005; and VP. of Association of Ethiopians Educated in Germany (AEEG) 2006-2010 etc. She has been also serving in different CBOs, local and international NGOs as Advisory, executive and editorial Board members.
In the arena of research, Dr. Hirut has conducted researches on Gender and Development issues, violence against women, Family planning studies and reproductive health, Gender and Traditional conflict resolutions, Harmful traditional practices, HIV/AIDS research and training from gender and Reproductive health perspective, Gender and Environment to mention some. The followings are her researches publicized on reputable journals:
1.Gender and Development Published in the book Ethiopia: An Introduction into Culture Economics, Politics and Cooperation
2.Gender and Female Genital Mutilation in Ethiopia, (The Case of Arsi Oromo )
3.Gender and Cross Cultural Dynamics in Ethiopia: A Case of 11 Ethnic Groups
4.Violence against Women in Ethiopia: A Strong Case of Civil Society Concern. In Civil Society in Ethiopia: Reflection on Realities and Perspectives of Hope
5.Training Guide on Gender and HIV/AIDS published August 2005
6.“Gender and Health” in the book Epidemiology and Ecology of Health and Disease in Ethiopia.
7.Gender and Youth Reproductive Health in the face of HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia: The case Of Shashemene and Hawassa Youth in and out of School. In Intergenerational Challenges in Ethiopia :
8.Gender Relations, Female genital Mutilation and Reproductive Health: The case of Arsi Oromo.
Dr. Hirut has tremendously contributed in many fronts in education sector in particular and socio-cultural sector of the country. Recognizing these contributions, the Board of ESSSWA has decided to honour her and grant her the 2016 individual Award of ESSSWA at the 12th annual conference.

Organizational profiles of Institutional Awardees

1. Macedonia Home for the Elderly and Mentally Disabled

Macedonia is a caring center, non-profit organization in Ethiopia’s capital City, Addis Ababa. It is a sanctuary of the poor, the sick, the weak and friendless. It is dedicated to providing food, closing, permanent housing, medical care, love and compassionate individual care to the most helpless, frail, and dying elderly and those with mental illnesses.

Currently, Macedonia is a home of more than 850 elderly and mentally disabled which began humanitarian service by gathering 40 elders from the streets of Addis Ababa before four years. It has a strong pace of growth and needy people are admitted to the center every day.

ESSSWA acknowledges the significant contribution of Macedonia in caring and supporting of Elderly and mentally disabled individuals who are neglected and sometimes abandoned. Therefore, the Board of ESSSWA has decided to honor Macedonia: Home for Elderly and Mentally Disabled of ESSSWA and grant the 2016 institutional Award of ESSSWA at the 12th annual conference.

2. Muday Charity Association
Muday Charitable Association is a remarkable organization that is teaching and caring for 160 children in the Kotebe area of Addis. It also provides income generating activities for the mothers of the children. Muday is an Ethiopian woman with a huge heart, and she and her family live at the school and pour all of their resources into it.
Muday has empowering destitute women and children, improving the livelihood of widowed/ single mother households, providing shelter, food, clothes, medical services and education for vulnerable children and women.

PART TWO: RESEARCH OUTCOMES AND PRESENTATIONS

Section One: Preventing Violence against Children

2.1.1 . Implementation status and strategic directions of the national social protection policy: by Abebe Gebremedhin, Ministry of Labor and social Affairs

Abebe’s presentation five covered topics: overview, linkage of NSPP to GTP2, progress, mandates and ways forward.
Abebe first gave an overview on the NSPP to the participants of the conference starting from operational definition of social protection.., what it focuses? And who the target populations are? Accordingly, he defined that Social Protection is part of social policy framework that focuses at reducing poverty, social and economic risk of citizens, vulnerability and exclusion by taking measures through formal and informal mechanisms to ascertain accessible and equitable growth to all.” It has five policy focus areas. Namely;( 1)Promote productive safety net, (2) Promote employment opportunities and improve livelihood , (3) Promote Social Insurance, (4) Increase equitable access to basic social services, and (5) provide legal protection and support for citizens exposed to abuse and violence. Then, the national social protection policy of Ethiopia was presented that it targets and gives due emphasis to: Children under difficult circumstances, vulnerable pregnant and lactating women, people with disabilities and mental health problems, elderly with no care and support, labor constrained citizens, victims of social problems, Citizens affected by HIV and AIDS and other chronic diseases, people vulnerable to violence and abuse, and to natural and manmade risks, unemployed citizens, Citizens engaged in the informal sector, and victims of human trafficking and repatriated emigrants.

Next to over viewing, the link between NSPP of Ethiopia and GTP-2, SDGs, and Agenda 2063 were highlighted. It was discussed that the NSPP of Ethiopia is designed in line with and emanated from the global, regional and country development plans, strategies and goals. Therefore, MoLSA, had planned and been working with other sectors, to achieve its designed goals. Since the ratification of the NSPP and beginning of GTP-2, thus Abebe presented that the following major accomplishments had been done: popularization at different stage, capacity building training, developing implementation strategy, action plan, conducting study and situation analysis for the development of Social Protection Fund Guidelines and Labor and Social Workforce, developing five years Sector Strategic plan (2008 – 2012), and Engagement in & linkage with Rural & Urban-PSNPs.
Finally, it was forwarded that MoLSA would establish SP system(different instruments like, action plans, manuals, MIS and Common registry), undertake studies for evidence based financing set ups across the different focus areas from different sources, develop legal frameworks for the establishment and coordination of the SP council, and build capacities (awareness raising, trainings, workforce development, etc.,).

Questions and Comments
Question:
• Among the major challenges that are/will negatively impact the new social protection policy, financing is one, hence, how far the government is ready to tackle such challenge? And, what other challenges are there in the implementation process?
Answer:
• To make implementation more manageable, the policy has been divided into five focus areas in a manner that the existing government structures shall take their own part and incorporate into their mandatory activities. Hence, the government is committed to finance the policy implementation in phase by phase approach and through time the full package of the policy shall be interpreted into practice.

2.1.2 Violence affecting children in rural and urban communities, studied by Young Lives: by Nathan Negussie and Alula Pankhurst

This paper considered reporting of violence affecting children at five sites studied by Young Lives in Ethiopia. It was conducted at Addis Ababa, Amhara, Oromia, SNNP and Tigray Regions (3 urban and 2 rural cites) using both quantitative and qualitative methods. It was presented that the study explored the causes of violence in different contexts, consequences and children’s responses, and considers the links between age, gender and corporal punishment. The study found that most reports related to physical violence, with greater reporting in the school followed by the home setting with important differences in the reasons for corporal punishment in schools and homes. Children often accepted beating if they thought it was ‘fair’ as a punishment for a wrongdoing but strongly resented it if they believed it was unjustified. In the community context insults and verbal often led to fights and this was sometimes associated with discrimination and exploitation.
Violence was also found to intersect with gender and poverty, especially due to girls extra domestic work burdens, sexual harassment and risks of rape and enforced early marriage. Children’s responses and coping varied by age, gender, and family circumstances from acceptance through avoidance to resentment and resistance, suggesting that some children can have a degree of agency even in constraining circumstances.
Questions and Comments
Comments:
• Interventions and researches are expected to be an disability inclusive in addressing the basic challenges and needs of all citizens including persons with disabilities. However, this presentation didn’t clearly indicate that part.
• Inclusion of persons with disabilities to such stype of studies is very important.
• The study has had to address issues like “how the children themselves conceptualized abused?”
• The presentation also didn’t clearly indicate “who poor was”.
Response
• The study mainly focused in addressing issues of children from the poorest of the poor families, the data didn’t generate any information about violence due to the children’s disability.

2.1.3 Gender differences in child Labor in Ethiopia: by Eshetu Gurmu, Tizta Tilahun, (Addis Ababa University) and Tatek Abebe(Norwegian Centre for Child Research Faculty of Social Science and Technology Management Norwegian University of Science and Technology)

This paper looked at gender differences in child labor in Ethiopia having analyzed data obtained from 77,008 children (50 % of the respondents were girls) of age 5 to 17 included in the 2013 National Labour Force Survey using a structured household survey questionnaire to collect the information on child work and the socio-demographic characteristics of children and the households in which they were living.
It was presented that the study revealed that there are statistically significant differences in child labour in Ethiopia across gender, age group, educational level, living arrangements and region of residence. Girls are involved in labour quite often than boys due to heavy labour demand at the household level among females than males. Given the fact that gender differences in child labour have impact on girls’ academic achievements and active participation in acquiring knowledge whilst in the school system, there is an urgent call for devising mechanisms of introducing and improving household labour saving technologies.

2.1.4 Challenges to communication between parents and children: a case study of Adama Town: by Dr. Berhanu Moges
It was presented that the research had been conducted with intent to examine the challenges to communication between parents and children concerning children protection from abuse, violence and neglect issues. The study found that low education status of parents, parents expressed the feeling that if they communicate with their children about sexual abuse, violence, and neglect issues they might be directing them to engage. They also thought that their children were still too young to know about protection from sexual abuse, violence and neglect issues.

Being married- married couples tended to divide responsibilities as to which one of them was responsible for communicating with their children. Traditional norms- these were alleged to prohibit parents from discussing some issues; especially issues of marriage, abuse, violence and neglect children. Religious beliefs-these were alleged to prohibit talking to their children. Occupation-the economic activities in which parents were engaged were blamed for keeping the parents too busy to take time to talk with their children, this is the challenge to communication as parents have little time to be with their children. Communication between parent and his/her child is one of the most important parts of parenting, though not an easy one. It requires ongoing attention and time although it is difficult to both parents. Finally, it was recommended to develop appropriate interventions for empowering parents to communicate with their children life challenges.
Questions and Comments
Comments:
• The presentation indicated that practitioners’ knowledge about policies related with their practice were limited. Hence, service linkage and working with other practitioners with different professions need to be recommended.
• It would have been good if the study had answered the question “why the knowledge and skill gaps were there?”
Response
• In some of the responses to the questionnaires, respondents gave answers like “children may be abused/victimized because the children themselves are obstinate”. This showed that such practitioners lack the basic knowledge about children’s behavioral, the laws against the abuses committed on children and the like. Hence, to bridge such gaps, involvement of other practitioners like lawyers, is important to bridge the gaps practitioners have.

2.1.5 Child on the Move; Determinants of Child Migration and the Reunification Process in Some Selected areas of Amhara Region: by Kelemu Fenta, Lecturer at Gondar University

This study was conducted to identify the major determinant factors and reunification process of child on the move in some selected areas of Amhara region using both quantitative and qualitative research methods 55 reunified children. The result showed that the major factors children on the move, in the form of migration, are; shortage of sufficient food, clothes and shelter 41, (74.5%), hope of better life, 35 (63.7%), the influence of friends 34 (61.9%) and excessive workload in the house, 34 (61.8%), are the primary factors which had immediately forced them to migrate from their villages to the immediate, regional and zonal towns, where majority of children had migrated to immediate towns,34 (61.8%), and regional towns, 15 (27.3%) and others. In conclusion, the result of this study revealed that child on the move has been persisted due to social and economic problems their families and the local community.
Questions and Comments
Comments:
• Obviously, migration has both pull and push factors that are associated with its trend and dynamics. However, the presentation didn’t clearly indicate this fact.
• It would have been good if the presentation had revealed the real cause of migration.
Response
• As was indicated, the study area was narrow, hence, covered limited geographic areas. With regard to pull factors, in the study it was well noted that returnees have an influence to attract other migrants to the area.

2.1.6 Early marriage and education: the complex role of social norms in shaping adolescent girls of Amhara Region: by Nicola Jones (Overseas Development Institute), Bekele Tefera(Freelance Consultant)and Guday Emirie (Addis Ababa University)

This study examined key drivers of shifting and persisting social norms surrounding early marriage and its effects on adolescent girls’ educational opportunities and broader well-being in the Amhara Region (in three rural kebele towns: Bulbullo, Dembashi and MetemaYohannes from South Wollo, East Gojjam and North Gondar, respectively in 2013 and 2014)of Ethiopia. It was found in the three research sites, gendered social norms for adolescent girls are shifting, albeit in a highly uneven manner. Key drivers of progressive gender norm change include access to education, positive local role models, supportive male relatives, and top-down social mobilisation and legal changes. Key forces impeding progressive gender norm change include the realities of girls’ care work burden, ‘sticky’ conservative gender norms about girls’ and women’s bodies and sexuality, geographical isolation, and the physical and social isolation of out-of-school girls. Finally the study recommended that Policy and programming solutions include greater attention to technical and vocational training alternatives, radio-based social change communication, community conversations, school clubs and other safe spaces for girls where they can seek advice and share their views and experiences.
Questions and Comments
Comments:
• The crossing borders illegally is not the phenomenon observed in girls only, it is also for males.
• The presenter indicated that the minimum age for marriage becoame 18 and above years for girls. Hence, the problem associated with early marriages showed to decline. In some other parts of the country, like Afra, the community knew about the legal provisions of the family law and they understood the law prohibits girls’ marriage before 18 years of age. However, in practice, child marriage against the law was observed.
• The issue of child marriage is not always related with whether the family is under resources constraint or not, rather, it is cultural.
Response
• The issue of migration and illegal crossing of borders is of course not only for female but also it is the phenomenon of men.
• The level of law enforcement has variations among the study sites for this research. Better performances and awareness about girls’ education, domestic labor division and equity of male and female household members for resources has been observed in areas where gender education and behavioral interventions were i

2.1.7 Female victims of human trafficking in Ethiopia : By Assefach Hailehelassie, University of South Africa (UNISA)
This study was conducted to tell the story of female victims of human trafficking from Ethiopia which was conducted in light of constructivist framework and involves in-depth interviews with five returnees whose experiences as victims are explored. Then, it was presented that the study showed lack of job opportunities, limited income and false promises made by brokers as the major factors drawing women into human trafficking. The findings also revealed that even after return, the victims experienced further difficulties due to post-traumatic psychological factors. Finally, the study forwarded to look at the significance of the research outcome, the gleaned information could be of value for organizations working on migration and countering human trafficking.
Questions and Comments
Questions:
• Some migrants forced to change their names, or, their dressing style and type; who is in charge of such human right violations in this regard?
Comments:
• The study cases were too small to forwarded many recommendations, i.e. the recommendations were too exaggerated as compared to the cases where the data were drawn from.
• Migrants didn’t always tell the correct age they have; they consciously deduct or add some years to their real ages. Hence, any one doesn’t the age they give as if that was the real one.
Response
• Human traffickers played important roles in changing names and dressing as if it was demanded by employers. As to the presenters’ knowledge and experiences, this was not demanded by all employers. Some employers, however, may demand that.
• The study cases were selected based on the IOM (International Organization for Migration) criteria for being victims of migration. And the study deployed deeper interview methods with the victims. It would have been good if the number of cases were more. The researcher, hence, has put it as one of the limitations of the study.

2.1.8 2.9. Gender and Social Capital: A Case Study among Urban Households in Bahir Dar Town: By Getu Ambaye (University of Gondar) and Professor Alice K. Butterfield, (University of Illinois at Chicago)
This paper examined gender differences in social capital among poor urban communities residing in the outlying neighborhood of Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia. It was presented that the findings showed homogeneity in terms of gender is the major characteristics that describe the social capital of study communities. The proportions of actors who share similarity in gender were common in the social networks of the study communities. Nevertheless, regardless of gender difference, households having larger networks are embedded in more multiplex forms of social capital than households with smaller social networks. Occupational and educational statuses are the factors determining the embeddedness of households in social capital in context. Finally, the study indicated that the implication is related to social work approaches and practices notably gender-based community development programs and also important for neighborhood-building endeavors in urban settings.

2.1.9 Vulnerability and work conditions of domestic workers in Addis Ababa: by Hone Mandefro, Kidist Mulugeta and Ajanaw Alemie
The study investigated the work conditions and available legal protection of domestic workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia focusing on the Megenaga area of Yeka-sub-city using a cross sectional qualitative research design with the participation of domestic workers themselves, officials from labour and social affair office, and brokers of domestic workers in August 2013 and June 2014. It was presented that the study found domestic workers in the study area had little or no labour rights or protection: they rarely had clear contractual relations; worked long hours of work, low pay, had little or no privacy and were exposed to verbal, physical and sexual harassment. The paper argued that it is the lack of political commitment by the state, systematic restriction by the state on the civil societies that advocate for domestic workers rights, and limited capability to negotiate of domestic workers due to illiteracy that are the main contributing factors for domestic workers agony and silence on their problems. Finally, the study forwarded possible policy responses as a conclusion.

2.1.10 Irregular migration from Ethiopia: driving forces, consequences and the status of returnees. The case of Tigray region: By Shishay Tadesse (MSc) and Kefyalew Kinfemichael
Having reviewed the results of migration in Ethiopia the study went to Tigray region how the problem is awful as witnessed by the total number of returnees (30,191deportees in the region; which accounted 22 percent of the total 160 thousand returnees at national level in the year 2014). Thus, this study was conducted mainly to scrutinize the driving forces, consequences behind the massive outflow of youth from Tigray region to Middle East and to look into the current status of the rehabilitation and reintegration of the returnees collecting data 746 sampled returnees taken from ten Woredas prioritized by the presence of large number of return migrants. Accordingly, the finding showed that majority of the return migrants were predominantly young male literate and literate adults.
With regard to the major root causes that contributed for their emigration irregularly; looking better paid jobs at destination (53.8%) and unemployment problem at home (39.7%) were reported as root causes of emigration. In connection with this, for the question raised to understand the level of involvement of different actors in the migration decision processes; 27% of the respondents said that previous returnees influenced them to emigrate, followed by escorting peers influence (19.8%), family influence (13%), and due to smugglers’ false promises (12.2%). The finding further reveals that 82% of the respondents stated that they have encountered enormous problems during the journey and at destinations. With regards to the current reintegration status of the returnees, 69.4% stated that they were employed . The result of multivariate analysis shows that respondents who were unemployed, resided in urban areas, literate, who did not get rehabilitation support and have family members abroad at the time of survey were more likely to re-migrate compared to their counterparts.
Finally, the study recommended that the government should give focus to fully rehabilitate and reintegrate these segments of the population and need to develop policy to guide the reintegration processes and protect new aspirers.

2.1.11 The challenges of employees with disabilities concerning employment related rights: experience of Gondar and Bahir Dar Universities: by Mohammed Seid.

The paper first stated that employees with disabilities have been a constant presence throughout Ethiopian history but there has not been sufficient and detailed enquiry about their conditions in the actual labor market. Thus, as an exploratory inquiry, the purpose of this study was to try to bridge this knowledge gap by digging out the challenges of employees with disabilities taking the experience of Gondar and Bahir Dar universities using data gathered from 18 purposively selected interviewees, 2 key informants’ interviews, unstructured observations, and other relevant documents.
It was presented that employees with disabilities working at Gondar and Bahir Dar universities had been facing various challenges concerning their employment related rights. Accordingly, inaccessibility of vacancy related information, discriminatory registration process, the absence of sufficient and detailed regulations at the national levels to enforce disability related proclamations, and significant gaps experienced in the existing affirmative action legislation were found to be among those discriminatory barriers against those vulnerable sections of the underlined universities’ community. Moreover, the designs and actual structures of buildings, roads, offices and other indoor and outdoor facilities and accommodations were found to be problematic to fulfill facilities for employees with disabilities of the underlined universities. Besides, placements, internal transfers, special capacity building training opportunities of the underlined universities did not consider the interest, security and productivity of employees with disabilities, which ultimately led to various forms of direct as well as systematic discrimination against them.
The study concluded that employees with disabilities of the underlined universities will continue to suffer unless there are series of law enforcement, administrative and awareness creation tasks by all concerned actors.

2.1.12 The experience of children living in AkakiL’Esperance Children Aid organization (ALCAO): by Alehegn Habtamu

This study explored the experience of children in ALCAO on 17 orphan children, who are living in the orphanage using data collected through an in depth with the objective of exploring the experience of children about their orphanage life covering their perception; interpersonal and social skills; opportunities and challenges faced and the services provided for the children. The findings of the study indicated that, most of the children didn’t have good perception about their orphanage life. They have poor social interaction with the workers and boarding children. The children did not have developed social skills. The worker’s approach towards the children is not with caring, love and compassion. Though the services are not quality, the orphanage give basic services for the children. The children got the opportunity for care but also faced challenges in their orphanage life. The orphanage environment and their insecure attachment in their orphanage life strongly challenged them.

2.1.13 Addressing marginalized and disadvantaged social groups through community service workers: the experience of Bishoftu Community Development Workers Training and Deployment Programme: By Megersa Tolera

The study first overviewed that Community Service Workers Training and Deployment Program of the Oromiya National Regional State aims at the training and deployment of grass roots social workers at District level with a view to enable rural and urban communities mainly disadvantaged and marginalized groups through developing awareness on their socio-economic problems and mobilize their resources to tackle the root cause problems behind their misery and suffering. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess achievements and problems to date and establish whether the program objectives were met or not and on the basis of findings and analysis of the internal and external opportunities and challenges make proposals for the future course of the program. The study was essentially qualitative and hence it ties together direct observation of the work done at selected field sites and discussion held with communities, focus group discussions held with district officials where field visits made and relevant documents of the programme were reviewed. The study found that perhaps the greatest achievement of all, viewed particularly from a longer term perspective, is the direct contribution of Community Service Workers made towards putting in place a social work structure and operational system at the grass roots /District/ level. Thus today, thousands of urban and rural communities of Oromiya most particularly, disadvantaged and marginalized children, women and families have got the potential opportunity to be provided with access to social welfare and developmental services at the nearest government structure.

2.1.14 Psychosocial problems, coping mechanisms and support system of the elderly in Kibre Aregawian Migbare senay Dirijit, Addis Ababa: by Redae G.Egziabher
The purpose of this study was to explore the psychosocial problems, coping mechanisms and support systems of the elderly at Kibre Aregawuyan Megbare Senay Dirijit (KAMSD) in Addis Ababa using the qualitative and quantitative data collect from a randomly selected sample of 88(53 F and 35 M) elderly and a director and 2 social workers of the organization. Accordingly, the results indicated that lack of social support, isolation and loneliness, depression, health and nutritional deficiencies were the salient psychosocial problems of the elderly. Ill health status, lack of social support and security, illiteracy, low economic and occupational backgrounds and lack of savings during working ages were some of the major contributing factors for the psychosocial vulnerability of the elderly. Besides, abuse, drought, war and erosion of traditional virtues of support were found hindering factors. In reaction to the problems, the study indicated that KAMSD is undertaking three intervention programs such as advocacy and awareness creation, institutional, and community based cares. With regard to the extent of residential and service provision satisfaction, an independent t-test indicated existence of statistically significant difference between the institutionalized and non-institutionalized elderly, showing that the non-institutionalized elderly were more satisfied than the institutionalized ones. Furthermore, depression level in the institutionalized and non-institutionalized elderly was found to be moderate. However, analysis of the chi-square test indicated that there is statistically significant difference between the institutionalized and non-institutionalized elderly, the former were more depressed than the latter. Based on the findings, conclusions and recommendations were made on how care and support for the elderly could be harmonized.

PART THREE: ESSSWA’s ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS
The second half of the second day of the conference was dedicated to the
organisational matters of ESSSWA. In this session, the activity and budget of
ESSSWA for the year 2015 was reviewed. Following that, ESSSWA‟s 2016
programme and financial plan was presented.

Questions and responses on ESSSWA’s annual plan for 2016

Lists of Abstracts

1. Violence affecting children in rural and urban communities, studied by Young Lives: By Nathan Negussie and Alula Pankhurst

This paper considers reporting of violence affecting children in sites studied by Young Lives in Ethiopia. Starting with the quantitative evidence relating to 3000 children in 20 sites the paper focuses on qualitative data from 5 sites. In the quantitative data about 4 in 10 children enrolled in school experienced corporal punishment at age 8 and about 1 in 8 school children at age 15 with higher rates among boys and children living in urban areas.
In the qualitative data a total of 111 instances of violence were reported among 54 children aged 7 to 20. These were classified by age and sex of the child, location (region, urban/rural), place of violence (school, home and community), and type of violence (physical, psysho-social, mixed). The paper explores the causes of violence in different contexts, consequences and children’s responses, and considers the links between age, gender and corporal punishment.
The qualitative data found slightly higher reporting of violence by girls and younger children, and some differences across the five sites in different regions and urban and rural contexts. Most reports related to physical violence, with greater reporting in the school followed by the home setting. The paper also found important differences in the reasons for corporal punishment in schools and homes. Children often accepted beating if they thought it was ‘fair’ as a punishment for a wrongdoing but strongly resented it if they believed it was unjustified. In the community context insults and verbal often led to fights and this was sometimes associated with discrimination and exploitation.
Violence was also found to intersect with gender and poverty, especially due to girls extra domestic work burdens, sexual harassment and risks of rape and enforced early marriage. Children’s responses and coping varied by age, gender, and family circumstances from acceptance through avoidance to resentment and resistance, suggesting that some children can have a degree of agency even in constraining circumstances.
Keywords: Children, youth violence corporal punishment

2. Gender differences in child labor in Ethiopia: by Eshetu Gurmu and Tizta Tilahun

Child labour has a strong link with children´s well-being, education, production system and culture of the society. It also has implications on the country’s level of development. This paper looks at gender differences in child labour in Ethiopia having analysed data obtained from 77,008 children of age 5 to 17 included in the 2013 National Labour Force Survey.
Findings of the study reveal that there are statistically significant differences in child labour in Ethiopia across gender, age group, educational level, living arrangements and region of residence. Girls are involved in labour quite often than boys due to heavy labour demand at the household level among females than males. Given the fact that gender differences in child labour have impact on girls’ academic achievements and active participation in acquiring knowledge whilst in the school system, there is an urgent call for devising mechanisms of introducing and improving household labour saving technologies.

3. Challenges to communication between parents and children: a case study of Adama town: by Dr. Berhanu Moges

The purpose of this paper is to examine the challenges to communication between parents and children concerning children protection from abuse, violence and neglect issues. A descriptive exploratory qualitative study was conducted among parents with children. A total of thirty interviews were done with parents of both sexes in Adama Town. The study used in-depth interview tool, and focused on social, cultural and economic challenges to child abuse, violence and neglect issues. Qualitative data analysis was done to answer the research questions.

The study found that low education status of parents, parents expressed the feeling that if they communicate with their children about sexual abuse, violence, and neglect issues they might be directing them to engage. Experts in the field of child welfare believe a critical element in the prevention of child abuse, violence and neglect is parenting education and support services for at-risk populations. They also thought that their children were still too young to know about protection from sexual abuse, violence and neglect issues. Being married, married couples tended to divide responsibilities as to which one of them was responsible for communicating with their children. Traditional norms, these were alleged to prohibit parents from discussing some issues; especially issues of marriage, abuse, violence and neglect children. Religious beliefs, these were alleged to prohibit talking to their children. Occupation, the economic activities in which parents were engaged were blamed for keeping the parents too busy to take time to talk with their children, this is the challenge to communication as parents have little time to be with their children. Communication between parent and his/her child is one of the most important parts of parenting, though not an easy one. It requires ongoing attention and time although it is difficult to both parents. There is need to develop appropriate interventions for empowering parents to communicate with their children life challenges.
Keywords: abuse, challenges, communication, violence, neglect, intervention, protection, parent

4. Children on the Move in selected areas of Amhara Region: by Kelemu Fenta

Children’s movement is becoming a more recognized part of larger migration flows both within and between countries and majority of them move with their families but many do so independently. This is explained due to various social, economic and other related factors. Though children’s movement in the form of migration, in the study area, is increasing alarmingly, the research based findings are rare and given less emphasis.
The main objective of this study is to identify the major determinant factors and reunification process of child on the move in some selected areas of Amhara region. In realizing this objective across-sectional study was conducted using both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The quantitative method was used to collect data about the determinants and challenges of child migration and the process of reunification of those migrant children from 55 reunified children. The data collection was done by standardized expert-administered questionnaires which were analyzed with descriptive statistics. Whereas the qualitative data was also collected using focus group discussions and key informant interviews.
The result of this study revealed that the major factors children on the move, in the form of migration, are; shortage of sufficient food, clothes and shelter 41, (74.5%), hope of better life, 35 (63.7%), the influence of friends 34 (61.9%) and excessive workload in the house, 34 (61.8%), are the primary factors which had immediately forced them to migrate from their villages to the immediate, regional and zonal towns, where majority of children had migrated to immediate towns,34 (61.8%), and regional towns, 15 (27.3%) and others. Concerning the reunification process, various government and non-governmental organizations have been playing a significant role in reunifying children to their respective families and/or guardians.
In conclusion, the result of this study revealed that child on the move has been persisted due to social and economic problems their families and the local community.
Keywords: Child on the Move, Reunification and Determinants of Child on the Move.

5. Early Marriage and Education: The Complex Role of Social Norms in Shaping Adolescent Girls’ Lives in Amhara Region of Ethiopia: by Nicola Jones, Bekele Tefera and Guday Emirie

This study examines key drivers of shifting and persisting social norms surrounding early marriage and its effects on adolescent girls’ educational opportunities and broader well-being in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia. The primary data were gathered through a set of qualitative research methods consisting of group community mappings, inter-generational trios, martial network case studies, small group discussions with adolescent girls and boys, focus group discussions with adult women and men, in-depth interviews with adolescent school boys with sisters, outlier case studies with adolescent girls and young women, and key informant interviews with community elders/religious leaders and local government officials. The fieldwork was undertaken in 2013 and 2014 in three rural kebele towns (Bulbullo, Dembashi and MetemaYohannes from South Wollo, East Gojjam and North Gondar, respectively) of Amhara Region. In the three research sites, gendered social norms for adolescent girls are shifting, albeit in a highly uneven manner. Key drivers of progressive gender norm change include access to education, positive local role models, supportive male relatives, and top-down social mobilization and legal changes. Key forces impeding progressive gender norm change include the realities of girls’ care work burden, ‘sticky’ conservative gender norms about girls’ and women’s bodies and sexuality, geographical isolation, and the physical and social isolation of out-of-school girls. Policy and programming solutions include greater attention to technical and vocational training alternatives, radio-based social change communication, community conversations, school clubs and other safe spaces for girls where they can seek advice and share their views and experiences.

6. Female victims of human trafficking in Ethiopia: by Asefach Haileselassie Reda

The purpose of this study is to tell the story of female victims of human trafficking from Ethiopia. It pertains to the cause of trafficking and how it affects their social and emotional wellbeing. The study is conducted in light of constructivist framework and involves in-depth interviews with five returnees whose experiences as victims are explored. This is done to get insight into the challenges faced by the wider population. Themes evident in the stories are discussed in line with relevant literature. The study shows lack of job opportunities, limited income and false promises made by brokers as the major factors drawing women into human trafficking. The findings also show that even after return, the victims experience further difficulties due to post-traumatic psychological factors. Looking at the significance of the research outcome, the gleaned information could be of value for organizations working on migration and countering human trafficking.
Keywords: Female, Human trafficking, Migration, Migrant workers, Psychosocial and victims of trafficking.

7. Gender and Social Capital: A Case Study among Urban Households in Bahir Dar Town: by Getu Ambaye Teshale

This paper examines gender differences in social capital among poor urban communities residing in the outlying neighborhood of Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia. The concept social capital is fluid and has been variously or loosely conceptualized by scholars. Although variously defined by scholars, social capital in context refers to social networks, diversity of contacts and associated outcomes among poor urban households. Evidences indicate that gender difference in social capital among urban communities has been underexplored topic particularly in Ethiopia. To this end, name generator and name interpreter questions were typically designed for eliciting the qualitative data related to social capita. The findings show that homogeneity in terms of gender is the major characteristics that describe the social capital of study communities. The proportions of actors who share similarity in gender were common in the social networks of the study communities. Nevertheless, regardless of gender difference, households having larger networks are embedded in more multiplex forms of social capital than households with smaller social networks. Occupational and educational statuses are the factors determining the embeddedness of households in social capital in context. The major implication of the current study, therefore, is related to social work approaches and practices notably gender-based community development programs and also important for neighborhood-building endeavors in urban settings.
Keywords: Actor, Social Capital, Social Network, Two-Mode Network

8. Vulnerability and Work Conditions of Domestic Workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: by Hone Mandefro, KidistMulugeta and AjanawAlemie
The invisibility of the work place, the power dynamics the work is performed under and often lack of coverage of domestic work in formal labour laws of countries has domestic workers one of the most vulnerable groups of workers. Advocacy efforts based on research evidences mapping the working conditions of domestic workers are needed to improve the work conditions of domestic workers. In Ethiopia, however, research evidences and discussion on work conditions is scare. This study investigates the work conditions and available legal protection of domestic workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia focusing on the Megenagna area of Yeka-sub-city. A cross sectional qualitative research design was employed to gather data for the study. The participants of the study were domestic workers themselves, officials from labour and social affair office, and brokers of domestic workers. In-depth interviews and focus group discussion were employed to collect data in August 2013 and June 2014.The study found that domestic workers in the study area had little or no labour rights or protection: they rarely had clear contractual relations; worked long hours of work, low pay, had little or no privacy and were exposed to verbal, physical and sexual harassment. The paper argues that it is the lack of political commitment by the state, systematic restriction by the state on the civil societies that advocate for domestic workers rights, and limited capability to negotiate of domestic workers due to illiteracy that are the main contributing factors for domestic workers agony and silence on their problems. The conclusion forwards possible policy responses.
Keywords: domestic workers, legal protection, work conditions.

9. Irregular Migration from Ethiopia: Driving forces, Consequences and the status of Reintegration of Returnees, the case of Tigray Region, Ethiopia: by Shishay Tadesse and Kefyalew Kinfemichael

Migration in general and irregular migration in particular has been escalating in Ethiopia in the last few years which resulted in mass deportation, sufferings and killings of innocent citizens. The problem is awful in Tigray region as witnessed by the total number of returnees. Available data depicts that there were 30,191deportees in the region; which accounted 22 percent of the total 160 thousand returnees at national level in the year 2014. Thus, taking into account this pressing issue, this research is undertake mainly to scrutinize the driving forces, consequences behind the massive outflow of youth from Tigray region to Middle East and to look into the current status of the rehabilitation and reintegration of the returnees. To achieve these objectives, primary data using questionnaire was collected from 746 sampled returnees taken from ten Woredas prioritized by the presence of large number of return migrants. To screen out respondents initially non-probability sampling was used to select sample Zones and Woredas. Finally, systematic sampling procedure was utilized to take respondents from the selected kebelles/Tabias/. For triangulation purpose, three Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews were conducted with different stakeholders and Woreda Youth & Sports Affairs office heads, respectively.

Once the data has been collected, both quantitative and qualitative methods were used to analyze the data. Accordingly, the finding shows that majority of the return migrants were predominantly young adults aged < 34 years (88%) with mean age of 28 years, males (70.1%), rural residents (58%), never married (49.2%) and literate (87.3%). With respect to the employment status of the respondents before emigration, out of the total samples surveyed, 53% stated that they were employed while the remaining 26% and 21% were unemployed and students, respectively. With regard to the major root causes that contributed for their emigration irregularly; looking better paid jobs at destination (53.8%) and unemployment problem at home (39.7%) were reported as root causes of emigration. In connection with this, for the question raised to understand the level of involvement of different actors in the migration decision processes; 27% of the respondents said that previous returnees influenced them to emigrate, followed by escorting peers influence (19.8%), family influence (13%), and due to smugglers’ false promises (12.2%). The finding further reveals that 82% of the respondents stated that they have encountered enormous problems during the journey and at destinations: which constitute mainly imprisonment (28.5%), unpleasant climatic condition (26.2%), prolonged hunger (19%), and sexual abuse (10.1%). The respondents also reported that on average they paid 11,054 Eth. Birr to cover the entire journey. With regards to the current reintegration status of the returnees, 69.4% stated that they were employed while the remaining 29% and 1.6 % were unemployed and students, respectively at the time of the survey. The result of multivariate analysis shows that respondents who were unemployed, resided in urban areas, literate, who did not get rehabilitation support and have family members abroad at the time of survey were more likely to re-migrate compared to their counterparts.
Thus, the government should give focus to fully rehabilitate and reintegrate these segments of the population and need to develop policy to guide the reintegration processes and protect new aspirers.
Keywords: Returnees, Deportees, Irregular, Emigration, Smugglers, Tigray Region, Woreda.

10. The Challenges of Employees with Disabilities Concerning their Employment Related Rights: The Experience of Gondar and Bahir Dar Universities: by Mohammed Seid

Employees with disabilities have been a constant presence throughout Ethiopian history. However, there has not been sufficient and detailed enquiry about their conditions in the actual labor market. Hence, as an exploratory inquiry, this study tried to bridge this knowledge gap by digging out the challenges of employees with disabilities taking the experience of Gondar and Bahir Dar universities. To this effect, data had been gathered from 18 purposively selected interviewees representing the underlined universities’ employees with various forms of disability, 2 key informants from the universities’ human resource management offices, unstructured observations, and other relevant documents.
According to the finding of the study, employees with disabilities working at Gondar and Bahir Dar universities had been facing various challenges concerning their employment related rights. Accordingly, inaccessibility of vacancy related information, discriminatory registration process, the absence of sufficient and detailed regulations at the national levels to enforce disability related proclamations, and significant gaps experienced in the existing affirmative action legislation were found to be among those discriminatory barriers against those vulnerable sections of the underlined universities’ community. Moreover, the designs and actual structures of buildings, roads, offices and other indoor and outdoor facilities and accommodations were found to be problematic to fulfill facilities for employees with disabilities of the underlined universities. Besides, placements, internal transfers, special capacity building training opportunities of the underlined universities did not consider the interest, security and productivity of employees with disabilities, which ultimately led to various forms of direct as well as systematic discrimination against them.
In light of the finding of the study, employees with disabilities of the underlined universities will continue to suffer unless there are series of law enforcement, administrative and awareness creation tasks by all concerned actors.
Keywords: Challenges, Disability, Employment Rights

11. TheExperience of Children Living in AkakiL’Esperance Children Aid Organization (ALCAO): by Alehegn Habtamu

This study explored the experience of children in ALCAO. The study was on 17 orphan children, who are living in the orphanage. The data was collected through an in depth interview for about 45 munities. The study was conducted with the objective of exploring the experience of children about their orphanage life covering their perception; interpersonal and social skills; opportunities and challenges faced and the services provided for the children. The study was guided by attachment and ecological theories. The study participants were selected using purposive sampling between the age of 15 and 20. Out of these children between the age of 18 and 20 were asked about their experience before their 18 years of age. The participants were selected on the basis of their childhood experience in the orphanage. The interview was conducted in the orphanage counselor’s office. The data was analyzed thematically. The findings of the study indicated that, most of the children didn’t have good perception about their orphanage life. They have poor social interaction with the workers and boarding children. The children did not have developed social skills. The worker’s approach towards the children is not with caring, love and compassion. Though the services are not quality, the orphanage give basic services for the children. The children got the opportunity for care but also faced challenges in their orphanage life. The orphanage environment and their insecure attachment in their orphanage life strongly challenged them.
Keywords:Experience, Perception, Social skill, Orphanage

12. Addressing marginalized and disadvantaged social groups through community service worker: the experience of Bishoftu Community Development Workers Training and Deployment Programme: by MegersaTolera

Community Development workers formerly called Change Agents currently called Community Service Workers Training and Deployment Program of the Oromiya National Regional State aims at the training and deployment of grass roots social workers at District level with a view to enable rural and urban communities mainly disadvantaged and marginalized groups through developing awareness on their socio-economic problems and mobilize their resources to tackle the root cause problems behind their misery and suffering. The study aims at assessing achievements and problems to date and establish whether the program objectives were met or not and on the basis of findings and analysis of the internal and external opportunities and challenges make proposals for the future course of the program. The study is essentially qualitative and hence it ties together direct observation of the work done at selected field sites and discussion held with communities, focus group discussions held with district Officials where field visits made and relevant documents of the programme were reviewed. The study finds that perhaps the greatest achievement of all, viewed particularly from a longer term perspective, is the direct contribution of Community Service Workers made towards putting in place a social work structure and operational system at the grass roots /District/ level. Thus today, thousands of urban and rural communities of Oromiya most particularly, disadvantaged and marginalized children, women and families have got the potential opportunity to be provided with access to social welfare and developmental services at the nearest government structure.
Keywords: community service workers, developmental social welfare, role, community development workers

13. Psychosocial Problems, Coping Mechanisms and Support Systems of the Elderly At Kibre Aregawuyan Megbare Senay Dirijit, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: by Redae G/Egziabher

The purpose of this study was to explore the psychosocial problems, coping mechanisms and support systems of the elderly at Kibre Aregawuyan Megbare Senay Dirijit (KAMSD) in Addis Ababa. The study attempted to answer research questions, the major psychosocial problems of the elderly, the underlying causes of the problems, the interventions in place and obstacles facing in the course of service provision. In with the objectives, mixed research design particularly concurrent embedded approach was used. Questionnaire, FGD, interview, document analysis and observation were used to collect qualitative and quantitative data from a random sample of 88(53 F and 35 M) elderly. Moreover, the director and 2 social workers of the organization have participated in the study. Toanalyse the quantitative data, chi-square and independent t-test were used, and the qualitative data were transcribed and interpreted. Accordingly, the results indicated that lack of social support, isolation and loneliness, depression, health and nutritional deficiencies were the salient psychosocial problems of the elderly. Ill health status, lack of social support and security, illiteracy, low economic and occupational backgrounds and lack of savings during working ages were some of the major contributing factors for the psychosocial vulnerability of the elderly. Besides, abuse, drought, war and erosion of traditional virtues of support were found hindering factors. In reaction to the problems, the study indicated that KAMSD is undertaking three intervention programs such as advocacy and awareness creation, institutional, and community based cares. With regard to the extent of residential and service provision satisfaction, an independent t-test indicated existence of statistically significant difference between the institutionalized and non-institutionalized elderly, showing that the non-institutionalized elderly were more satisfied than the institutionalized ones. Furthermore, depression level in the institutionalized and non-institutionalized elderly was found to be moderate. However, analysis of the chi-square test indicated that there is statistically significant difference between the institutionalized and non-institutionalized elderly, the former were more depressed than the latter. Based on the findings, conclusions and recommendations were made on how care and support for the elderly could be harmonized.

Keywords: Elderly, problems, causes, coping mechanisms, institutionalized, community based.