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This study examines student volunteering at the University of Gondar in Ethiopia, aiming to understand motivation and areas of engagement. Using a mixed research method, data from surveys, in-depth interviews, and key informant interviews were analyzed. The sample included 422 participants selected through probability and non-probability sampling techniques. Quantitative findings reveal that understanding the functions of volunteering motivates students, with a desire for learning experiences and applying their skills being primary motivators. The value function and career enhancement function also contribute to motivation. Survey results indicate that students engage in volunteer activities to enhance their resumes and have a strong belief in the importance of helping others. Notably, 47% of volunteer students focus on social and disability affairs. This study emphasizes the need for careful planning and implementation to encourage student volunteerism and maximize its benefits for all involved parties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gender equality and women's empowerment are major concerns under Goal 5 of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals to be achieved by 2030. Therefore, microfinance institutions in developing nations have been working on these issues by providing loans to married women and others in need. As a result, this paper focuses on one such microfinance institution in Ethiopia, called ACSI (Amhara Credit and Saving Institution), and its role in fostering economic independence for married women and their involvement in various public social schemes. The study utilized a qualitative approach, collecting data through in-depth interviews (26), focus group discussions (1), and life histories from ACSI experts (4) and key informants from Women's and Children's Affairs (6). Specifically, the study focused on married women in Basona Werana Woreda and examined the impact of ACSI's credit services on their social conditions. The empirical findings of the study reveal that the social condition of married women clients has improved due to the credit services provided by ACSI. Women's social empowerment indicators have shown positive changes after utilizing the credit services. However, the study also identified challenges faced by the institution, such as a lack of adequate transportation means and a shortage of personnel to reach remote residents and fulfill their mission of improving the situation of vulnerable low-income and productive poor resident women. Additionally, cultural attitudes pose significant challenges to the social empowerment of women. The empirical implementation of this study provides insights into the achievements and hurdles that need to be addressed in enhancing economic security for married women through microfinance initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Female genital mutilation is one harmful traditional practice that is highly prevalent in African countries such as Guinea, Sierra Leone, the Gambia, Mauritania, Mali, and Burkina Faso, as well as in Sudan, Egypt, and Ethiopia. In these harmful traditional practices, women have an essential role as both perpetrators and victims of FGM. In developing countries, the issues of FGM receive little attention in restoring and maintaining the well-being and health of women, and the governments have not given them due attention. The socio-cultural settings also make women's lives miserable. This study tried to assess the community perception, socio-cultural reasons, and the consequences of FGM on women's livelihoods. It also integrates the issue of FGM in the study areas with the UN SDGs goals for 2030. In this study, a qualitative approach supported by a phenomenological study design has been employed. Twelve affected (or females) were included in the research, as were six circumcisers/female genital cutters or experts, five victim household parents, two focus group discussions, and the life histories of the three victims of female genital mutilation in the region. The findings of this study reveal that women are victims of harmful traditional practices in general and FGM in particular. Women's cultural influence on tradition makes them accept that religion orders so. Women support FGM as they are less educated than men and because of the secondary social status they have in society. To minimize the problem, both governmental and nongovernmental organizations should work collaboratively with community members. Subjects: Gender Studies; Medical Sociology; Social Justice [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enset, with its starch-rich corm and pseudostem, is a staple meal for over 20 million Ethiopians, although it is almost unknown outside of a small production zone in southern Ethiopia. As a result, to fill a gap, this study investigates the Gurage people of Ethiopia's socially constructed indigenous knowledge in producing and consuming the enset plant and its economic, cultural, and symbolic representational value, which has received little attention from several authors. In achieving the study's stated objectives, a qualitative research approach was used, allowing the researchers to investigate the lived experiences of the local people. Although secondary data sources were used to analyze the discussion in this study, primary data was predominantly used. This primary data was collected through observation, key informant interviews, casual conversations, and focus group discussions. We found that the Gurage people are somewhat different from other enset cultivating societies in enset cultivation and transplantation. According to the study's findings, enset is a factor in wealth stratification. Despite the previous studies, we discovered that enset plays a significant role in socializing the study people in various ways. Based on the study's findings, the researchers recommend a more in-depth study focusing on the medicinal, disease or frost tolerance, pest and pathogen incidence importance of the enset plant in Chaha Woreda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the existing trends of child labour abuse in Addis Ababa, as well as to examine the sociocultural barriers that impede nongovernmental organizations. This study involves two domestic NGOs (FHIDO and SCFDS) working on child issues. The study used a qualitative approach with 25 participants in in-depth interviews, one focus-group discussion, and six key informants to collect or acquire a full grasp of the issue and to address the study's stated objectives. The finding of this study revealed some psychometric reasons for the children to be engaged in hazardous work activities, including their family background (dynamics), poverty, and self-actualisation arising from contributions to the well-being of the family. Concerning gender-selective norms as a problem, the chosen two organizations are facing a significant task in putting an end to child labour exploitation in the region owing to social gender preference. The cultural and social expectations of men and women make the issue ubiquitous in their communities. Based on the findings of this study, the Winrock International (2008) approach of CIRCLE experience with an awareness-raising plan is recommended., (© 2022 Naina Kumar, published by Sciendo.)