Gendering Enset (Ensete Ventricosum) Research and Innovation to Empowering Women: A Papers Review Based Sociological Glance

Abstract

The concept of gender is inextricably related with socio-cultural and economic structures of society. It basically relates to socio-culturally determined characteristics, statuses and social roles given for being biologically male or female. Women in developing countries like Ethiopia suffer from various forms of gender bias and discrimination. Especially, in rural areas, in women’s role and participation in decision making, resource management and their access to privileges is very poor.  The purpose of this review paper was exposing various stakeholders both at national and international level, to the socio-cultural dimensions relating to gender empowerment and Enset research and innovation on the “International Conference and Workshop on “Research on Enset and its Agri-system” hosted  by Wolkite University in collaboration with Addis Ababa University, Ethiopian Bio-diversity Institute,  Hawassa University, Roal Botanical Garden Kew and Leicester University, February 10-11, 2020. The literature on the association between Enset production and gender empowerment shows that women could benefit in this type of agricultural system, since they have better decision making power and control over the resource and its products.

Keywords: Gender empowerment, Enset, Decision making, Gurage women and Gender

DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/10-17-05

Publication date:September 30^th 2020