Children are future leaders of the country”: Ethiopian adolescents’ access to voice and agency
This note synthesises findings from the Gender and Adolescence: Global Evidence programme’s 2019/2020 round 2 data collection
Abstract
This policy note synthesises findings from the Gender and Adolescence: Global Evidence (GAGE) programme’s 2019/2020 round 2 data collection to explore changes in Ethiopian adolescents’ access to voice and agency in the midst of the country’s dramatic political transformation. It uses mixed-methods research that includes a survey (with 7,538 adolescents and their caregivers) and 601 qualitative interviews (with adolescents, parents and service providers). Respondents were from three diverse rural regions – South Gondar (Amhara), East Hararghe (Oromia) and Zone 5 (Afar) – as well as three very different urban areas (Debre Tabor in Amhara, Batu in Oromia and Dire Dawa City Administration). We pay careful attention to gender and regional differences in how young people between the ages of 12 and 20 are accessing decision-making opportunities within the family and community. We also explore changes in adolescents’ mobility and access to safe space, and social interactions with peers, their access to age-appropriate information and digital technology, and to inspirational role models. We then discuss key actions needed to accelerate progress, especially for girls, if Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 – ‘women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels’ – is to be achieved.
This is an output of the Gender and Adolescence: Global Evidence (GAGE) programme
Citation
Presler-Marshal, E.,Jones, N., Dutton, R., Baird, S. and Workneh, Y. (2020) ‘“Children are future leaders of the country”: Ethiopian adolescents’ access to voice and agency.’ Policy Brief. London: Gender and Adolescence: Global Evidence.
Link
Children are future leaders of the country”: Ethiopian adolescents’ access to voice and agency.