The genders have always had their differences and will continue to do so. However, gender bias – sexism, is an issue that wrankles us all in our everyday interaction. How much does sexism exhibit itself in Ethiopia?
Society speaks its mind...

‘Ladies first’ is sexism ….!?

'Sexism' is a glamorous word that cloaks the primitive and boorish practice of gender discrimination. Bias based on one's gender, though a blemish shared by most all humans, more commonly targets the female sex.
Sexism arises from institutionalized gender imbalances and is conditioned by parents, education and experience. The little boy who is told early on by doting parents that they were fortunate not to have had a girl, will definitely turn into a chauvinist. Sexism is basically chauvinistic attitudes played out in real life situations. Don't accuse me of bi-polar disorder when I state the following:
Sexism is one of those faults we commit without realizing it even under the best of intentions. A gentlemanly gesture like holding doors open for the ladies is one such display of gender bias ___ as is hiring a non-deserving but attractive female over an obviously better qualified male.
My personal opinion is that gender bias is rampant in our culture and yet I also feel that each sex gets a fair shake as both do manipulate their sexuality when it suits them- making up for all the times others played them marionettes.
Sexism is an intrinsic part of Ethiopian cultural identity and life would really have been a horrible existence were it not for compensating factors. It begins with the very grammar of Ethiopian languages - all 80 of them (I think). To an Ethiopian, anything small, weak and unthreatening is a 'she'. You would think this is flagrant sexism until you remember that all nice things are also female. I often find myself wondering if there exists what could be termed a feminist movement in Ethiopia. I doubt there is such a thing because in a strange twist, feminism is a luxury that only exists in societies that have by and large, eliminated overt gender bias. Ethiopia is not there because sexism is an everyday reality - used by both sexes. There are few 'liberated' Ethiopian women and men, as culture seeps into everything we do to live as Ethiopians.
There is also the very significant fact of the rapidly improving condition and social status accorded women. Even in traditional Ethiopia, women have a relatively better situation than in most of Africa. The sexism that is witnessed is rooted more in the socio-religious perspective. It can also be maintained that gender issues are being addressed at the highest levels with women (and child) friendly laws and regulations ratified and in place. Of course, as the generations come and go, the prevalence of radical acts of sexism is reduced.

How much does Sexism (gender bias) affect Ethiopian
society?

The origin of sexism is religion. Almost all faiths assign women a lower status. The Holy Bible infers that God had planned Adam but that Eve was an after - thought. She was created out of Adam's 'spares' for the sole purpose of preventing him from being bored. How silly is that!?
S. Kasa
Agnostic

I think we should call a spade and not delude ourselves into thinking that the sexes are equal. Thank God, I say, that man and woman are not similar. In fact, 'equality' is not desirable and will remain so. Sexism doesn't exist.
Petric k.
Petros K.Clerk

College Administrator
Ethiopian males have lorded it over women for thousands of years. I don't think sexism will disappear soon but I do know that it will not continue at the same pace.

Biniam S.
Student

I say: when are we going to stand up for the rights of men? I feel that our women enjoy many advantages and that sexism is impacting on men rather than women Today in Ethiopia, it is more likely that a man is unemployed as women (whether qualified or not) do find employment much more easily.

Haftom
Bus driver