Institute of Environment, Gender and Development Studies

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://repository.mu.edu.et/handle/123456789/761

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SEXUAL VIOLENCE AS A WEAPON OF WAR; THE CASE OF BORA WOREDA IN THE SOUTHERN ZONE OF TIGRAY REGION
(Mekelle University, 2025-06-28) HaftamuTeka
This study explores the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war in Bora woreda, located in the southern zone of Ethiopia’s Tigray Region. Since the onset of the armed conflict in November 2020, women and girls in Bora have suffered extreme and organized sexual violence, primarily committed by Ethiopian and Eritrean defense forces. The thesis investigates the magnitude, impact, and underlying causes of these atrocities, revealing that wartime sexual violence was not incidental but a deliberate and systematic attack aimed at terrorizing communities and breaking the social fabric of Tigrayan women. Using a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and personal observations. The findings expose widespread acts of gang rape, sexual slavery, and physical mutilation, leaving survivors with deep physical injuries, psychological trauma, social stigma, and economic loss. Moreover, their voices reveal a crisis that extends far beyond personal suffering, also shaking the foundations of community identity and resilience. Critically, the research reflects on three underlying factors contributing to the continuation of sexual violence in armed conflict. First, the failure of international humanitarian law to prevent such violations has emboldened perpetrators. Second, sexual violence remains deeply rooted in patriarchal structures that normalize control over women’s bodies. Third, political narratives promoted by Ethiopian high ranking officials have either denied or downplayed the sexual atrocities. By amplifying the lived experiences of Tigrayan women in Bora, this study contributes vital insight to the broader understanding of conflict-related sexual violence and recommends urgent survivor centered policies, psychosocial support mechanisms, community based campaigns aimed at challenging patriarchal norms, and justice focused interventions to address the needs of victims and prevent recurrence.
Challenges and Opportunity of watershed management on rural women’s livelihood in Case of Tahtay AdyaboWoreda, Tigray Regional State, Ethiopia.
(Mekelle University, 2025-06-28) KIBRET DESTA
Watershed management is an integrated approach involving the sustainable management of forests, agriculture, pasture, and water resources. In the Tigray Region of Ethiopia, rural women play a vital role in agricultural activities and household responsibilities but face challenges such as water scarcity, limited land access, and socio-cultural barriers. This study assesses the impact of watershed management on rural women's livelihoods and identifies the key challenges they encounter in Tahtay Adyabo Woreda, Tigray. A mixed research approach was employed, combining qualitative and quantitative methods. Data were gathered through key informant interviews and household surveys. The findings reveal that effective watershed management interventions have improved water availability; reduced time spent collecting firewood, and enhanced soil fertility and conservation. These changes have led to improved household productivity and overall well-being for rural women. Social benefits include increased access to education and health services and greater participation of women in community decision-making. In addition, the interventions have promoted awareness and practice of sustainable farming methods among women. However, several challenges persist, including the effects of climate change, cultural norms limiting women’s involvement, and insufficient institutional support. These factors hinder women’s full participation and the long-term success of watershed programs. The study concludes that while watershed management positively affects rural women's livelihoods, addressing existing barriers is essential. Programs should be gender-sensitive, context-specific, and inclusive to maximize impact. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners aiming to empower women and promote sustainable rural development in the region.
ASSESSING THE BARRIERS OF WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP PERFORMANCE: THE CASE OF HAWZENWOREDA TIGRAY REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA
(Mekelle University, 2025-06-28) Tsige Hailu Gebreanenia
This study generally aimed at exploring the barriers on women’s leadership performance in Hawzen woreda, eastern zone of Tigray region. Accordingly, it tried to figure out the share of the positions the target population has in political platforms. It also meticulously investigated the main barriers that affect the women’s leadership performance. To this end, data is being collected from the sampled participants in the study area through different data gathering tools .the researcher designed them on the SPSS template. The study revealed that political rights have assured the women improved in politic empowerment and decision making power in the society. Because women’s have limited access to control over political power, which diversify their power through engaging in non-income generate or domestic activity and off decision making power. The study also identified that barriers, less control over the political power and decision-making process are among the many constraints which set to affect women’s leadership performance. When compared with male, women’s are trapped by the lack of power and control over decision. To mitigate the investigated problems strengthening women’s organizations, enhancing women’s economic wellbeing, initiating their empowerment and involvement in decision-making as well as different levels of leadership positions should be prioritized at all costs. For such endeavor to succeed, all concerned bodies at different levels, particularly of the government and nongovernmental organizations must relentlessly work to create opportunities to enable women get empowered through integrated training programs and awareness creation sessions to help them scale up their participation.