Abstract
This study explores how the Ethiopian traditional coffee ceremony serves women around Merkato, Addis Ababa as a forum for participatory communication to resolve child abuse and exploitation and other problems. In-depth interviews, focus group discussions(FGDs) and observations were used to gather data from participants, facilitators and the coordinator of the programme, run by Children Aid Ethiopia (CHAD-ET). Although the initiative gave chance for some women to discuss about some major problems of their area, the overall procedure did not seem to be in a position to give frolicsome atmosphere for all participants to take part in the discussions mainly because of the formal nature of communications, limited skills of facilitators and large group size. The agenda for discussions were set by CHAD-ET. As a result, the sessions were usually held to meet predetermined objectives. The fact that participants often prioritised other issues over what the sponsor organisation set shows that the target groups were not included in the programme planning and designing stage.
Highlights
Background of the problemSexual abuse and exploitation of children is prevalent in Addis Ababa, the magnitude of the problem is not well documented
This research focused on the coffee ceremony initiative which was a community based activity run by Children Aid Ethiopia (CHAD-ET) with the objective of enhancing community participation and involvement in the protection of children from sexual abuse and exploitation and to help the public discuss other major problems in the area
The use of the Ethiopian traditional coffee ceremony can be an ideal choice for women to fight child abuse and some other problems
Summary
Subjects and Sampling Qualitative research method was employed to explore what the facilitators (women who were assigned to facilitate discussions in the coffee ceremonies); the participants (marginalised women living in and around Merkato) and the coordinator (an employee in CHAD-ET who coordinates the programme) were doing and thinking. Three coffee ceremony groups were selected and observed twice for the better understanding of the nature of communication. Both participants and facilitators were informed about the purpose of my presence before the formal observation sessions so that they would not act stiltedly. The interviews and the FGDs were administered in different Kebele halls using Amharic language, which is the national language of the country that the subjects of this study are using. This helped to avoid confusions and secure detailed information. They always inform us to listen carefully We are not allowed to speak without their permission we are not as such open to talk different issues freely and informally as we do it at home with our close neighbours It is just like formal meetings dominated by the leaders
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