Jones, N., Presler-Marshall, E., Tefera, B., & Alwab, B. G. (2018). The politics of policy and programme implementation to advance adolescent girls’ well-being in Ethiopia. In Empowering Adolescent Girls in Developing Countries (pp. 62-80). Routledge.
Overview: The Ethiopian government has made significant strides in addressing the gender gap in education and health extension services for adolescent girls. However, the effectiveness of these national-level commitments is uneven. The stickiness of gender norms and complex political economy dynamics surrounding policy implementation are crucial factors. The chapter concludes with a discussion on the necessary changes for change interventions to have maximum traction in the increasingly challenging political economy environment.
Methodology: A political economy approach, based on Rosendorff’s ‘Three I’s’ framework, is used to analyze the situation of Amhara girls and the effectiveness of social communication initiatives in navigating these dynamics.
Findings: Ethiopia has significantly improved its educational opportunities, with the government building over 32,000 primary schools, 2,300 secondary schools, and 1,300 TVET centers in the past five years. Enrolment has exploded, especially at the primary level, and girls’ primary graduation rates remain low. The government has introduced policies aimed at girls’ education, such as providing tutorial support, girls’ clubs, hiring more female teachers, and building low-cost hostels. Amhara girls are more likely to attend primary school and complete it due to the BoE’s focus on facilitated girl’s education.
Ethiopia has made significant institutional commitment to eliminating child marriage, with the revised Federal Family Code establishing a minimum age of 18 years for both sexes and eliminating betrothal. The 2005 Criminal Code also imposes penalties for violators. Recent progress has been impressive, with the 2011 Demographic and Health Survey showing a lower proportion of young women married by 15 years of age. Amhara, known for its lowest average age of first marriage, has seen rapid progress, especially for the youngest girls.
Conclusion and recommendation: The research reveals that political economy dynamics in policy and program implementation are affecting well-being outcomes for adolescent girls in Amhara Regional State. To improve girls’ educational capabilities and access to secondary school, it is essential to improve physical and financial access, expand labor-saving technologies, and ensure equal opportunities for rural children. Additionally, efforts must be made to develop rural labor market opportunities and encourage families to invest in girls’ secondary education. NGOs can play a vital role in working with local officials, health extension workers, WDAs, and school-based clubs to foster coordination and focus. Communications programming must also aim to shift gender norms that restrict girls’ lives, focusing on empowerment, gender equality, and targeted messaging targeting health risks or poverty.