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| Ethiopia | |
 Flag of Ethiopia | |
| Population (in Mil.) | 74,8 |
 Sex Ratio (m/f)
| 1,00 |
 Life Expectancy Ratio (f/m)
| 1,04 |
 Fertility Rate
| 5.7 |
 Income Ratio (f/m)
| 0,6 |
 Literacy Ratio (f/m)
| n/a |
 Tertiary Enrolment Ratio (f/m)
| 0,35 |
 Women in Parliament (in %)
| 21,9 |
| SIGI Rank | 89 |
| Source: GID Data Base (2008) More information on variables | |
| Did you know that Ethiopia ranks number 89 of 102 countries on the OECD Social Institutions and Gender Index? To learn more, see the official country note "Gender Equality and Social Institutions in Ethiopia" at genderindex.org: | |
Ethiopia remains one of Africa’s most tradition-bound societies. Despite recently introduced policy instruments and legislative commitments serving women’s interests, a vast majority of Ethiopian women - particularly in rural areas - are far from being well-off, independent and direct beneficiaries of development initiatives. Following traditional socio-cultural installations and practices, women are considered inferior to men, both in family life and in society at large.
Contents |
Family Code
Ethiopian family law has been revised recently. At the federal level, a new Family Code based on the principle of gender equality came into effect in early 2001. Its effect is somewhat limited, however, as constitutional recognition gave full sovereignty to seven regions out of nine, each having its own family law. Six regional governments continue to apply the previous law.
According to the 2001 Family Code, the minimum age to get married is 18 years. Previously, women had to be 15 years old and men 18 years old before they could get married. In practice, however, early marriage is common and affects children far younger than the ages stipulated by law. The situation is particularly severe in rural areas. In many places birth dates are not recorded and parents’ declarations of their children’s age are accepted at fact. Early marriage, and consequently young motherhood, is considered to be one of the main causes for Ethiopia’s high levels of maternal mortality. Even the abduction of young women for marriage purposes, although a criminal offence, still takes place.
Polygamy has been abolished, backed by sanctions provided in the Penal Code.
With regards to parental authority, the 1960 civil code recognised the husband as the legal head of the family and the sole guardian of children older than five years. This provision was changed in the 2001 Family Code and both parents were granted equal rights. The problems of reinforcement remain, however. In the case of divorce, children are to remain with their mother until they reach the age of five. Ethiopian law does not make reference to support payments to a former spouse.
While the law does not discriminate against women in matters of inheritance, in practice sons inherit family land. This is because it is assumed daughters will eventually move to their husbands’ homes.
Physical Integrity
Female genital mutilation is widely practiced in Ethiopia. Around 80% of the female population undergoes female genital mutilation. The new penal code criminalises FGM by imprisonment of no less than three months or a fine of at least USD 58 (500 birr). Likewise, infibulations of the genitals is punishable with imprisonment of five to ten years. However, no criminal prosecutions have ever been sought regarding FGM.
Violence against women is a general problem in Ethiopia, where culturally-based abuses, including wife beating and marital rape, are pervasive social problems. A July 2005 World Bank study concluded that 88 percent of rural women and 69 percent of urban women believed their husbands had the right to beat them. While women had recourse via the police and courts, societal norms and limited infrastructure prevented many women from seeking legal redress, particularly in rural areas. The government prosecutes offenders only on a limited scale.
The population sex ratio in Ethiopia has been stable (around 99%) for the past 50 years, and the occurrence of missing women is not widespread in the country.
Civil Liberties
Women’s freedom of movement is not subject to any legal limitations.
There is no limitation to the women’s freedom of dress. The Ethiopian constitution grants freedom of religion to all citizens, and there are no provisions for or against women who choose to wear a veil.
Ownership Rights
Considering access to land, the land reforms enacted in March 1997 stipulate that women can lease land from the government. As a result of this, close to 130 000 poor, rural women became landowners during the land redistribution exercise carried out in the Amhara Region. However, a landowner is regarded to be the head of the household and only one fifth of the total number of households appears to be either widows or female-headed families. Consequently, if a woman separates from her husband she loses her house and property. In nearly all regions women have a very low access to land, except through marriage. In practice, when a husband dies, other family members often claim the land over his widow.
Women have a relatively limited access to bank loans. Public financing for women may be granted to female heads of households who own land. Married women need the husband’s permission to obtain loans.
With regards to access to property, there is no significant difference between male-headed and female-headed households. However, according to the civil code, the husband is in control of common property and he can also make all decisions related to such property.
Sources
- CEDAW (2002), Considerations of reports submitted by states parties under article 18 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women; combined fourth and fifth periodic reports of States parties - Ethiopia, CEDAW/C/ETH/4-5, Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women.
- CEDAW (2004), Summary record of the 645th meeting, CEDAW/C/SR.645, Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women.
- CEDAW (2004), Summary record of the 646th meeting, CEDAW/C/SR.646, Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women.
- Islamic Family Law, Legal Profile of Ethiopia, Emory Law School, Atlanta, http://www.law.emory.edu/IFL/, accessed 16th July 2007.
- JICA (1999), Country WID Profile - Ethiopia, Japan International Cooperation Agency, Planning Department.
- SIDA (2002), Country Gender Profile - Ethiopia, prepared by Haregewoin Cherinet and Emebet Mulugeta for the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.
- U.S. Department of State (2006), Country Reports on Human Rights Practices – Ethiopia, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor.
- U.S. Department of State (2006), International Religious Freedom Report - Ethiopia, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor.
- World Bank (1999), Gender and Law: Eastern Africa speaks, Africa Region Findings, No 126, January 1999.
