Pathfinder International is pleased to announce the publication of Women’s Empowerment in Ethiopia: New Solutions to Ancient Problems. This paper documents the challenges and successes of two programs in Tigray, Amhara, Oromia, and SNNRP that combine increased access to reproductive health care and family planning with comprehensive social change. In collaboration with partners, community and religious leaders, and medical providers, these programs have advanced changes in law enforcement and community values to overcome harmful traditional practices. Opportunities for girls and women to pursue education and income-generating activities bring credibility and inspiration to young women seeking new alternatives. Results include:

25.3 million adolescents received RH and adolescent health messages;
1,200 judges, police officers, and prosecutors trained in implementation of new laws;
12,950 girls were helped to evade early marriage (in two provinces in 2004 only);
2,400 women were trained in small business management and given microcredit loans; and
650 traditional circumcisers were trained to promote RH.


The publication is available for download at http://www.pathfind.org/Pubs_Social_Change. Hard copies are available by contacting tech-comm@pathfind.org. If you would like to receive email updates about Pathfinder’s publications and other work, please sign up here: http://www.pathfind.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Register.