The Roles and Challenges of Civil Society Organizations Working on Women and Children in Kirkos Sub-City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

The purpose of this study is assessing the activities, achievements and limitations of civil society organizations working in the areas of women and children in Kirkos sub-city administration of Addis Ababa. As it is well known, women and children are one of the most vulnerable groups in our society. The problems and challenges facing women and children in developing countries like Ethiopia are multiple and sever. Thus, this study assesses the roles, activities, achievements and limitations of civil society organizations working towards addressing the multiple problems and challenges facing women and children in Kirkos subcity administration of Addis Ababa. Though some statistical analysis is employed, the research is predominantly a qualitative study. Data needed for the study are gathered from government institutions, civils society organizations, and women and children beneficiaries of civil society organization working in Kirkos sub-city administration. Apart from documents and related literature, primary data are gathered through questionnaires and interviews. A total of ten civil society organizations working in the areas of women and children are included in the study. In this regard, 51 workers of civil society organizations, 16 government officials of Kirkos sub-city administration, and 15 women or children beneficiaries of civil society organizations are included in the study. The analysis of the study is made descriptively using different tables followed by presentations of the data analysis. The study finds out that the roles played by civil society organizations in addressing the problems and challenges of women and children in Kirkos sub-city administration are multiple and highly commendable. In spite of the achievements of these civil society organizations are hampered by different limitations. These include repetition of focus areas, scarcity of finance, low participation of beneficiaries both in decision making and assessment of priorities, little interaction and cooperation amongst themselves and with relevant government authorities and agencies