Girls share how the war in Ethiopia has affected their lives and education — Assembly

Three girls from the Amhara region write about displacement, gender-based violence and coping with trauma.

In November 2020, armed conflict in northern Ethiopia erupted between the federal government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), the Tigray region's ruling party.

To date, hundreds of thousands of people have died and millions have been internally displaced. In Tigray and neighboring regions, 2,509 schools have closed as both sides use school buildings and grounds as battlegrounds and shelters for the displaced. Reports estimate that the recent conflict and natural disasters have forced more than 2.9 million children out of school in Ethiopia.

Three Ethiopian girls from the Amhara region (Ataye and Debresina) write about how the conflict has affected their lives and education. They discuss their questions for the government and share what support they want to see leaders provide. Despite the discrimination, inequality and violence they experienced, these young women display remarkable resilience and determination to build a better future for all Ethiopian girls.

Samrawit Taye, 17, Debresina

Samrawit is a grade 11 student from Debresina High School. She has three younger siblings who are going to follow in her footsteps and get an education too. When she grows up, she wants to become a doctor.

Before the war and COVID, we had a better education and a better school environment. It might not be like the girls in urban schools, but it was good enough for us to have dreams and aspirations to become someone, to dream big things for us and our families.

The war was so distracting, especially for girls. During the war … you wouldn’t get it if you didn’t see it. I don’t know how to tell you. Many women were raped. Houses and schools were burned down. Most families were unable to send their kids to school. Many of our friends joined the war. Most girls are now married. Because of all that, we didn’t have any motivation to go back to studying. One pack of exercise books costs 800 birr, so most families can’t afford it. The students also ask themselves "is it really worth it" and "For what dream?” That’s why most students didn’t return to school.

“I don’t think the government is unaware of what’s going on. So many families have lost everything. I believe the only way we can get out of this life is through education.”

— Samrawit Taye

If you think about it, the war was not only a destroyer of our schools but also a destroyer of our hopes and dreams.

When I tell you all about this problem, mind you, my community in Debresina had it easy. I can only imagine what happened in Kobo, Ataye and so on. For example, I was born in Desse. I have lots of family there and I have lost many.

I don’t think the government is unaware of what’s going on. So many families have lost everything. I believe the only way we can get out of this life is through education. So it would be fantastic if the government could do something to assist families in getting back on their feet so that they can send their children back to school and for the children to have a reason to go to school and aspire to be something or someone.

My school doesn't provide any psychological support for students after all they have been through. It's hard to expect students to go back to school as if nothing happened. It would be good if we could get psychological support. No one can really say I am OK. In one way or the other, you will be affected by what’s going on.

Aynalem Temteme, 19, Ataye

Aynalem is a grade 12 student from Ataye. She is one of the high scorers at her high school. Aynalem is the first in her family to complete high school.

Before the war, school was fun. As a girl though, we used to have so many problems and it was never easy for us — but it was still fun. We had so many extracurricular activities like mini-media, girls' club and so many other things. There was no uncertainty.

I can say with full confidence that we only had a proper education until ninth grade. After that, COVID happened, and now the war.

We complained a lot about COVID. Yes, it disturbed our education and there were so many problems that came with it. But now that I have seen the war, COVID was much better. The war will make you lose all your dreams and hopes. It will make you question your humanity. If you wanted to become a doctor before the war, you now want to be a small vendor or something similar. The war will make you lose your friends, your family and your hope for a better tomorrow. If you ask me, that’s the worst part. Don’t you think so?

“To the government, I want them to know that most of our friends are not back in school. What are you doing to make sure every student can return to the classroom?”

— Aynalem Temteme

I think Ataye is one of the cities that has been greatly affected by the war. Most students have lost their homes and their families. You don't even want to know about the gender-based violence that happened. It is so heartbreaking. And the government is not doing anything. Only the lucky ones once had the chance to come back to school.

To the government, I want them to know that most of our friends are not back in school. What are you doing to make sure every student can return to the classroom? What are you doing to help girls overcome the trauma they have endured during the war? What are you doing to help parents — who have lost everything due to the war — send their kids back to school?

We are not asking for much. We just want to have the basic opportunity now to give back to our community in the future.

I want to be a psychiatrist, but I am always changing my mind. Sometimes I want to be a development worker and help my community. Sometimes I want to work at Kebele to fix the bad governance.

Meron Haylemikayel, 14, Debresina

Meron is a ninth grader from Debresina. When she grows up, she wants to be a doctor or a chemist.

Before the war, we had a stable school life and education. We were part of so many clubs, like the gender club and the mini media. Even though we had challenges, it was possible for us to get an education.

I never thought I would see an active war in my entire life. It was very abrupt how the war approached our town. We ran away in the middle of the night to the nearby village, and we stayed there for a month. The distraction was not as bad as we expected it to be, but still a number of students have lost their homes.

The war can start again at any given time, and the psychological impact of it is high. We can’t focus on our education, have any reason to leave, and look forward to life. Imagine leaving at an age and not knowing what will happen next.

“We can’t focus on our education, have any reason to leave, and look forward to life. Imagine leaving at an age and not knowing what will happen next.”

— Meron Haylemikayel

I want to know what the government is doing to protect students from the psychological impact of the war. And what are they doing to make sure it’s not happening again?

Additionally, girls with disabilities were disproportionately affected by the war. We all know the impact of war on girls, and it will double when they are disabled. They don’t have access to education. What is the government doing to solve that?

Whenever girls report any form of violence, they don’t get justice served and that encourages the perpetrator. The police are very reluctant. This will discourage girls from reporting and encourage the perpetuator to continue with its action. What is your plan to fix the justice system?