Paper short abstract:

This paper explores how perceptions and socio-cultural practices invariably contribute to inequalities in children's lives among the Argobba communities in Ethiopia. Emerging findings from doctoral research highlight key issues shaping children's opportunities in transitioning into adulthood.

Paper long abstract:

The government of Ethiopia has expressed its commitment to ensure the rights and welfare of children in the country. Among some minority groups, such as the Argobbas, the protection and wellbeing of children, however, is governed much more by traditional values than the provisions made by the policies and legal instruments. Hence, there are still gaps, which show the existence of inequalities among children.

Data was gathered from children, parents and adults through small group and key informants interviews, review of documents and case studies. Preliminary findings of the research has shown the existence of variations in the views that adults and children hold with respect to childhood, children's participation, education, marriage and decisions regarding migration. Coming of age to work, a time when children start making valued contribution to the household economy marks the period when childhood ends. Socio-cultural practices and values rooted in religious beliefs largely influence conceptualizations and practices regarding childhood, education and marriage as well as gender inequality and how children's agency is expressed. Economic issues, peer influence and the effects of globalization determine decisions about migration among children and young people.

Changes are, however, being observed as a result of greater interaction of the Argobbas with other communities, the introduction of development projects and as a consequence of globalization as manifested through growth and expansion of education, means of communication such as mobile phones, commerce, urbanization and the development of infrastructure leading to narrowing the gap of inequalities in time and place.