The Atete Institution: The Role of Women in Conflict Resolution among the Arsi Oromo

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.