Participation of Ethiopian Women in Education and Development

The population of Ethiopia, which is about 55 million, is the second largest in Africa. According to the current growth rate it is projected to be doubled over the next 20 years. UN’s human development index states that Ethiopia is one of the lowest four countries in terms of social development. After the end of a long civil war in 1991, it is in the process of social and economical transformation. Ethiopia is not only at a lowest stage of social development but also it is one of educationally disadvantaged countries in the world. Most of the school aged children are not in school. Primary school gross enrollment ratio (GER) was only 24:10 (1993/94). Further more, there is imbalance in the GER of girls and boys, 19% and 30%, respectively. There are favorable conditions for increasing school enrollment due to ‘‘peace and order’’ as well as the commitment of the government towards improving educational opportunities. However, the improvement is still benefiting boys more than girls, as we see the 1996/97 (MOE) gross enrollment ratio at different level. In primary school in grades (1-6), boys are 50.3% whereas girls are 29.3%; in grades (1-8) boys are 43% and girls are 26.0% and in senior secondary schools, girls are 14% and boys are 17.9%