In stating how much they stood against HTPs the Women of the Megertu IGA group in Jarti Bakule of Siraro were the most vocal. Sinko Midanso, Midanso, a leader of this Group said the following on behalf of the participants of the FGD: Before the project girls were candidates for FGM and early marriage. We had no information about child right and equality of men and women. Through ADAA we learned about the danger of HTPs. Now we are equals with our husbands, we speak equally in meetings. We have the courage and confidence. Even the children are advocates of their own rights. In our village a father agreed to give his daughter named Rebda Tirkasso which is a student marriage at the age of 12. Rebda informed our IGA group. We stood together as a women group on her side, informed the kebele administration and prevented the early marriage. Continuing on good foundation Genet Asafrew, is currently a 16 year old grade 9 student in Mekaneyesus secondary school in Este. She came from a former CLFZ Zigora school. She stood 2nd out of 65 students in her new secondary school. Genet reported that her education in Zigora Primary school helped her to gain confidence; focus on her education and club activities her new school. Explaining this Genet says “In my primary school, we were encouraged to speak out, stand for girls’ right, actively participate in class and involve in inter-school competitions. We protected ourselves from HTPs such as early marriage. Married women in Loke Sifo, Sirao have also reported that they have gone further and collectively stood against different forms of HTPs. According to Shiro Jilo Chair lady of the Loke Sofo IGA group 190 women of the locality who belong to different IGA groups have organized themselves together and have refused polygamy. The evaluation team has spoken to members of two IGA groups, PTA members, the school principal and teachers and has confirmed that the claim of the women on standing against polygamy in the area is true and that this is a very bold move by the women as polygamy is one of the commonest practices in this largely Moslem community. Such developments which are taken by the IGA group women on their own is an example of how much the impacts of the project is spreading to eliminate HTPs though the initiative of project beneficiaries themselves. 49
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