Abstract
It is the objective of this study to describe, explain and critically analyze the role of the traditional social practice of ‘Abegar’ to empower women in South Wollo, Ethiopia. Data were collected through participant observation, record of social events and in-depth interview. The study was conducted from April to June 2014 E.C. Five social events known as ‘Wodaja’ were recorded. The result of the study showed that females were empowered through the practice of ‘Abegar’ in Wodaja sessions. During female group prayer sessions, females assume the position of leadership which empowers them. Being ‘abegar’, they are able to do many things which were impossible otherwise. Through their discourse, the females express their power as mothers, sprit possessors, and smart personnel who are empowered to do many things which even men couldn’t. The discourse of ‘AbbÉ™garness’ (leadership) is used as an expression of power in the community. Females became leaders or ‘AbbÉ™gars’ and are empowered through ‘dua’ (prayers). Key words: Women, ‘abegar’, wodaja, empowerment.
Highlights
This study focuses on this traditional social practice
The word „dua‟ means prayer and „wodaja‟ means a gathering to pray in groups using „chat‟ – a substance leaf chewed in Wollo for prayer
Through group prayers or „Wodaja dua‟, the females in the target group exercise power empowering themselves which they wouldn‟t get elsewhere. In such social events as „wodaja‟, the females express their power through discourse
Summary
Wollo is bounded by Tigray in the North, Gojjam in the West, Shewa in the South and Afar in the East. In Wollo, Muslims and Christians live together peacefully (Amsalu and Habtemariam, 1969). The community has a unique history of tolerance and peaceful coexistence. This community consists of a large number of Muslims and Christians. There is a thick historical record that this community exhibits a harmonious and peaceful contact and an intense sense of belongingness. There is a strong blood tie as there is intermarriage among Muslims and Christians. Many significant cultural and historical contexts tie the Muslim-Christian Community to a great extent
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