Abstract:
Conflict is inevitable in human relationships from an immemorial time. The majority of African
people live in conflict zones. However, they have indigenous institutions to resolve conflicts. Ethiopia has also indigenous institutions, which are mostly ethnically based, to resolve various
forms and levels of conflicts. To this end, the main objective of this study was to investigate the
roles of women in conflict resolution through the exclusive women owned institution called atete
among the Arsi Oromo Women. To address this objective, the researcher employed a qualitative
research approach. Methods of data collection include in-depth interviews, key informant
interviews and focus group discussions from primary sources such as Abbaa Bokkuu, Abbaa
Hookkaa, Haadha Siinqee, religious leaders, elders, and experts from government bodies while
documentary review was another method of data collection from secondary sources like reports,
published materials, and personal notes. To select the above samples, a purposive sampling
method was employed and sample size was determined by saturation point. The collected data
were thematically analyzed. Throughout all stages of the research, all required ethical
considerations were considered. The results of the study indicate that atete on is a well- established social institution owned by customarily married women. Depending on its main
objectives, it is classified into ateetee falaa, ateetee goraa and ateetee araaraa. Ateetee araaraa
is manifested through atete ritual in order to resolve both interpersonal and intergroup conflict. Women organize ateetee araaraa ritual through three general steps. These are pre-atete ritual,
atete ritual and post-atete ritual. These steps have different consecutive and interdependent
activities. Atete has promising opportunities such as the development of scientific research, arts,
books, social media and the current government intentions to incorporate in its social policies.
However, these opportunities do not make the institution free from the challenges like political
situation, immigrated religions, migration, urbanization and change of cultural elements
influence. Therefore, individuals, government and non-governmental organizations should
incorporate the institution in policy making, implementation and analysis so as to get its best in
conflict resolution.
