Browsing by Author "Tesfaye, Ayalkibet Berhanu."

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A critical study of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church's (EOTC) HIV and AIDS prevention and control strategy : a gendered analysis.
(2011) Tesfaye, Ayalkibet Berhanu.; Nadar, Sarojini.
This research study is a qualitative appraisal of the HIV and AIDS Prevention and Control Strategy of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC). It critically analyses the strategy in order to ascertain its gender consciousness or gender sensitivity in the context of HIV and AIDS in Ethiopia. The basic motivation for this study is based on the idea that many if not most of the responses aimed at dealing effectively with the HIV and AIDS pandemic in Ethiopia have so far not addressed the underlying problems related to gender which are fuelling the spread of the HI virus. The study is guided by an overarching feminist ecclesiology, the gendered conceptual intervention to HIV and AIDS proposed by Geeta Rao Gupta, and Orthodox and feminist Trinitarian theology as a theoretical framework within feminist theology. These approaches were chosen because of their common focus on the unity and equality of humanity regardless of gender, social and religious differences. One of the major highlights of this study is that it has succeeded in bringing forth links between gender issues and HIV and AIDS; poverty and HIV and AIDS, and economic, social and cultural factors that fuel the spread of the HI virus; as well the historical, philosophical and cultural influences that perpetuate the oppression of women. Another important highlight of this study is the identification of theologies within EOTC that can help diffuse the tension created by the above mentioned negative influences. These theologies include the Trinitarian theology for example, and are life affirming for women because they transform and empower women to ensure their full humanity and equality, giving them the means to avoid being infected by the HI virus, and/or allowing those who are already infected and affected to live with dignity.
Migration: challenges and experiences of the Ethiopian diaspora in the city of Johannesburg (2000-2015) and the role of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church’s ministry.
(2017) Tesfaye, Ayalkibet Berhanu.; Burton, Simon Ingram Robshaw.
Migration is a fact of international life as people continuously move from one place to another, have different experiences, and must react to new society and their cultures. Following the 1994 dispensation, South Africa became one of the destinations of choice for many African nationals, including Ethiopians. The migration of Ethiopians is a part of the migration phenomenon which has embraced much of the world in the 21st century. This study examines the multiple challenges related to the social, economic, cultural, political and religious lives of the Ethiopian migrants and the experiences that they face in Johannesburg, their responses, and the role of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC) in their survival strategy. Using a qualitative research method, it focuses on the analysis of the data collected from Ethiopian migrants in Johannesburg, indigenous South Africans who are members of the EOTC, and some Ethiopians in Ethiopia who reside in migrant-sending communities. The findings revealed that Ethiopian migrants have a set of social realities with their cultural and identity differences that foster their distinctiveness. This is coupled with problems that are associated with immigration documentation from the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa. They are also blamed for a range of socio-economic problems in South Africa and therefore, are scapegoated which results in some members of the host society engaging in xenophobic attacks. Furthermore, in the case of Ethiopians, their entrepreneurial talents and undertakings make them “soft targets” for robbery in Johannesburg. In coping with these problems, they seek solace in their Church and use a set of their cultural traits for their survival. In general, Ethiopian migrants face the range of problems in Johannesburg which have contributed to the existence of social distance between members of the host society and themselves. However, the study also found that there are common values that have the potential to contribute to social integration and social cohesion between both constituencies which would reduce the existing hostility. In addition, this study makes number contributions to the discipline. It also makes recommendations for the undertaking of further research that may be of assistance to policy makers, to the EOTC’s apostolic mission undertakings, as well as to the Ethiopian migrants themselves, and to the members of the host society.