Promoting women's participation in community development

Promoting women's participation in community development is an essential element in building lasting, positive change. In the Oromiya Region of Ethiopia, Oxfam works with the Gudina Tumsa Foundation (GTF) to build opportunities for women. GTF works primarily with the Kurayu people who have been marginalized as their traditional ways of making a living have become unviable.

Women, who have few sources of income, are now learning how to raise and keep livestock (traditionally this was men's work.) With the income from their goats, they are able to take greater charge of their lives. Oxfam has supported the restocking of goats for these women for a number of years.

In addition, with the generous support of the Canadian Auto Workers, Oxfam Canada has been able to fund a water rehabilitation program in the region, so women don't need to travel so far for essential, fresh water.

Gradually, GTF is building community awareness of women's issues. It will take time and hard work. For example, in the Karayu language the term for marriage, "dubara gurguruu" literally means "selling of a girl." Karayu women are convinced that access to resources will gradually change the way marriage is arranged in their society.