The Assessment of Abduction from Gender Perspective in Hadya Society: The Case of Misha Wereda

Abstract

This study is aimed at assessing the prevalence of abduction from a gender perspective and to identify the rationale behind this practice and its possible consequence on the lives of women and the society as a whole. In addition, it has tried to show the vulnerability factors and problems in law enforcement in the selected area.The researcher has chosen the Hadiyya zone, Misha woreda, where abduction is rampant and used as a customary form of contracting marriage.To gather information, both qualitative and quantitative methods are applied. Mainly the qualitative method is used to conduct case study and the quantitative is used as a supplementary data source to reinforce and to support the main data source. The major sources of data for this study are the selected four victims (abducted women). Besides, 30 people are selected to fill the questionnaire and unstructured interview was conducted with these people. The concerned officials such as police officers, Women’s Affairs Office, judicial bodies and zone and woreda administrators were interviewed. An in-depth interview was conducted with ‘shimagles’ (elders), some community members and school administrators. A Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was organized with groups of people from the community members.The study shows that marriage by abduction is practiced highly in the selected area and though there are other factors, culture is the major factor for girls’ vulnerability to this violent act. Though it is defended and justified in the name of culture and tradition, the practice is a form of violence against women. Moreover, the study shows the practice of abduction has negative consequence on the lives of women. Besides, the study shows that there is a gap between the existing law and its effective implementation and the inadequate efforts exerted by public authorities to enforce the existing laws.Creating awareness among the society, particularly amongst women, giving human rights and gender sensitive trainings for ‘shimagles’ and whole concerned bodies, giving assertive training to women and giving due attention to the implementation of the existing law are the  recommendations.