A Problem Ignored in Ethiopia

Child labour has long been discussed as an issue in many parts of the world. In particular, families in developing countries have long relied on all members, even the youngest, to help shoulder the load of providing for the family. Although some experts have contended that there are ways for children to help with families’ livelihoods without being affected themselves, many children sent out to work are exposed to violations of their rights through physical and even sexual abuse, labour abuse and human trafficking. EBR’s Menna Asrat reports.

Ethiopia’s Hidden Victims

Sexual abuse against children is a surprisingly frequent, but unreported issue. To make it worse, most cases go unreported because of the accompanying stigma. While the level of psycho-social assistance for victims is quite low, the abused children can also suffer from depression to substance abuse issues. The names of the victims and their families have been changed to protect their identities. EBR’s Menna Asrat reports.

Eritrean Refugees Left Out in the Cold

Migration is still as a big concern in Eritrea. Youths, frustrated by the policies of the government, cross the border in droves, searching for a better life. Ethiopia hosts the highest number of refugees from Eritrea. The absence of rule of law, unlimited mandatory national service and absence of freedom of expression are reasons usually expressed by refuges for fleeing their home country. Even after entering Ethiopia, most of them are not able to join the workforce, partly because the law does not allow it. While the recent peace between Eritrea and Ethiopia renewed the hopes of a few Eritrean migrants, some still fear that the peace could endanger their lives. EBR’s Ashenfi Endale, reports.

Zuriel Oduwole, the 16-year old documentary film maker and girls’ education activist, recently made a trip to Ethiopia to premiere her new documentary, “Follow the Ball for Education” to a group of female students and young professionals. The trip was part of a four-country tour around the world with the film, where Oduwole also spoke about the importance of educating girls. EBR’s Menna Asrat was on hand at the Radisson Blu Hotel to watch the documentary and speak with Oduwole about her work.

The Fate of Arada Hangs in the Balance

Piassa, at the heart of Addis Ababa is representative of the city’s old face. It was long known for being the go to place for commerce, and leisure. But in the past few years, urban development has been changing the face of the area. As the older parts of the city are being demolished residents feel that Piassa has lost some of its unique character. EBR’s Menna Asrat went to Piassa to find out what makes Piassa tick and what residents think the future holds for Addis’ old city.

Awareness about treatment and control of diabetes is extremely low among developing nations like Ethiopia although available evidence suggests an increasing prevalence of diabetes and its risk factors not only on adults but among children. With more children being diagnosed with the illness in the country, EBR’s Menna Asrat took a look at what could be behind the growing rates of diabetes, and what people can do every day to protect their health.

The National Archives Strive to Safeguard Treasures, Make History Approachable

Much has been made of the looting of treasures from African countries. Recently, the argument over the ownership of relics taken from Meqdela during the reign of Emperor Tewodros II has sparked renewed interest about the raiding of national treasures in Ethiopia. One of the major institutions responsible for the safeguarding of Ethiopia’s possessions is the National Archive and Library Agency. The Archive is currently undergoing changes, including the construction of a new 13 floor building to better organise its collection. EBR’s Menna Asrat went behind the scenes to see a side of the Archive few visitors get to see.

Another Cultural and Practical Hurdle for Ethiopian Girls

Period poverty is a huge problem for women all over the world, both in developed and developing countries. Millions of girls especially in developing countries like Ethiopia are forced to skip school every month because of inadequate menstrual supplies, adding up to hundreds of hours of missed classes every academic year. A lack of proper water and sanitation, as well as poverty is preventing girls and women from exploiting their full potential. EBR’s Menna Asrat looks into the actions being taken to address the issue.

Can Ethiopia Eradicate Malaria By 2030?

Malaria has been a long reaching challenge for Ethiopia. The state of Afar is one of the areas affected by malaria. About 28Pct of the population of Afar is currently infected with a mosquito-borne infectious disease. To avert the situation, a campaign launched by USAID has been streamlining the distribution of bed nets to at-risk areas including Afar. Other campaigns have also been putting a dent in the prevalence and spread of malaria in the country. However, the fight against the disease is still far from over, as EBR’s Ashenafi Endale reports.