Ivory Tower as A Site of Empowerment and Environment of Risk for Female Students at Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia.

Abstract

Background: The poor health status of people globally is a reminder of the social gradient of health that exists within countries and between countries. Together, the structural determinants and conditions of daily life constitute the social determinants of health (SDH), and result in much of the health inequity between and within countries. In an attempt to address the SDH, and challenge the world to tackle poverty and gender inequalities in the world's poorest countries, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were created. Goal three of the global Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) aims at empowering women through policies and programs that builds women's capabilities, improves their access to economic and political opportunity, and guarantees their safety. Yet, further research is needed to understand how exactly education empowers women and translates into "better lives" for women. Purpose: The overall goal is to examine how women navigate, negotiate, and mediate their sexual and reproductive health in the complex university environment. Methods: The study was cross-sectional in design and employed mixed methodology. It consisted of key informant interviews, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and self-administered questionnaires. Results: The case study of Ethiopia provides important lessons learned and an understanding of how to effectively implement strategies to address MDG3. Results of this study suggest that interventions should enhance women's power to make decisions and their ability to access resources. The power dynamics that continue to keep women down must be addressed to allow them the opportunity to rise to the level of their male peers.