The Importance of Equality among the Nations,
Unit 3
Nationalities and Peoples of Ethiopia
Equality
Introduction
In this unit, you will learn why you need to treat the nations, nationalities and peoples of Ethiopia equally.
You will see that equality is expressed in political, economic, social and cultural ways. You will also learn
that equality requires treating females and males as equals. You will realize the necessity of equality for
peace and the development of the country.
Lessons Key words and concepts
1. The Importance of Equality among the Nations, • Affirmative action
Nationalities and Peoples of Ethiopia • Disabled group
2. The Individual and the Public Interest • Equality
3. Gender Issues and Socially Discriminated • Gender
Groups
• Gender issues
4. The Tendency to Negate Unity in Diversity
• Individual rights
• Socially discriminated groups
What you will learn
• Unity in diversity
You will:
• realize the notions of equality, benefits and
burden.
• be aware of gender issues.
Taking equal responsibility for household chores
32 CIVICS AND ETHICAL EDUCATION — GRADE 11 STUDENT TEXTBOOK
UNIT 3 — EQUALITY LESSON 1
L E S S O N 1
The Importance of Equality
among the Nations, Nationalities
and Peoples of Ethiopia
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to: among members of society in terms of equality.
describe what kinds of equality and burdens the In today’s world, the issue of equality has
nations, nationalities and peoples of Ethiopia gained huge political importance. It has attracted
enjoy. the attention of governments as a key to ensuring
internal stability, peace and development. In the
Give an example of a person who has been broader sense, equality means to extend equal
treated unequally. Why was the person treated opportunities for members of society. Equality,
in this way? in the main refers to opportunities that the state
extends to its people. It also means equal protection
Equality is the right not to be treated differently
and the rights given to all citizens.
because of age, race, sex, ability, political views or
any other status; it means being treated the same as Form groups to discuss the ways in which the
others. It is a broad concept that involves economic, equality of nations, nationalities and peoples of
political, social and cultural considerations. Equality Ethiopia can be maintained. In what ways are
can be a form of remedial or restorative justice to peace and development related to equality?
repair damages done in the past. Equality can be Group leaders should present their ideas to
seen as a process of undoing past inequalities or the class for more discussion.
injustices. This could lead to greater uniformity
CASE STUDY
The Bale and Gedeo Peasants uprisings
During the time of Haile Selassie, millions of Ethiopians those revolts against the regime. These uprisings were
were landless, while a very few were owners of most brutally crushed by the government forces. However,
of the land. This created economic, social, cultural Haile Selassie’s government could not continue for
and political inequality. As a result of this, there were long. The resistance of the people against inequality
peasant’s uprisings in many parts of the country. The and injustice ended the feudal system. After years of
Bale and Gedeo peasants’ uprisings were among fighting, the peasants got their land.
CIVICS AND ETHICAL EDUCATION — GRADE 11 STUDENT TEXTBOOK 33
UNIT 3 — EQUALITY LESSON 1
The Importance of Equality among the Nations,
Nationalities and Peoples of Ethiopia
Form groups to discuss how the inequalities in the past, led to the peasants uprisings. Group
leaders should present their ideas to the class for more discussion.
REMEMBER
Equality refers to the state of being treated the same as others.
In the broader sense, equality means extending equal opportunities for members
of society.
In today’s world, the issue of equality has gained huge political importance.
The federal structure of government helps to address the problem of equality.
People who are treated equally will be more inspired to do their part for nation
building.
34 CIVICS AND ETHICAL EDUCATION — GRADE 11 STUDENT TEXTBOOK
UNIT 3 — EQUALITY LESSON 2
L E S S O N 2
The Individual and the Public
Interest
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to: extracurricular activities in your school. You might
want to join the schools basketball and football teams,
describe the differences between individual and
but you may have to pass a physical examination
public interests.
first.
Why might you be treated unequally at times? Your performance may not be up to the standard
to be selected. If you still insist that you have an equal
Equality means treating people as equals regardless right to be accepted, then your understanding of the
of sex, race, religion, culture, nationality or essence of equality is wrong. After all, equality must
occupation. Equality is related to rights. Your rights be viewed in terms of extending equal opportunity
entitle you to be treated equally to others. However, to compete, but not deserving whatever you wish.
exercising your equality has limitations as the use of
You have equal opportunities with others to
your rights can be conditioned by your obligations.
become a medical doctor. But, you cannot join the
As expressed in the Constitution, you have freedom
Faculty of Medicine simply because you have the
of speech, and expressions. But, your freedoms of
desire. You will be accepted when you have met all
expression do not include the right to verbally abuse
the criteria required to join the faculty.
or insult someone you hate. This is a violation of
the rights of others. You are not denied any of your Your family might own a house, however, due
rights when you are not allowed to abuse others. to the construction of a road, it could be marked
You have equal rights to participate in the for removal. Certainly, this would be a sad story for
the whole family. Still, your parents cannot argue
that their right to own property is violated so long
as they are compensated for the loss. What justifies
the government to take this action is the desire to
promote the public interest more than that of the
individual.
Your personal interests are protected only to the
extent that the interest of the public is not adversely
affected. Therefore, you might have to give up some
of your individual rights in order to promote what
benefits society. Generally speaking, public interests
Medical student working in laboratory should precede individual rights.
CIVICS AND ETHICAL EDUCATION — GRADE 11 STUDENT TEXTBOOK 35
UNIT 3 — EQUALITY LESSON 2
The Individual and the Public Interest
Form groups to discuss how limiting individual rights is a necessity in order to promote the
interests of society. Is it fair to give up some of your rights for the sake of society? Group‛s
leaders should present their ideas to the class for more discussion.
CASE STUDY
The Tekeze Hydroelectric Power Plant
Today Ethiopia has launched the construction of a Form groups to produce a justification for
number of hydroelectric power plants in different resettling people from this area in the
parts of the country. The total number of power plants interest of national development. Group
constructed over the last ten years is greater than leaders should present their ideas to the
those constructed previously. The output has more class for discussion and debate.
than doubled. The Tekeze Hydroelectric power plant
is currently the biggest power plant near completion
with the capacity of more than 300 megawatt.
Hydroelectric power plants’ construction is
necessary for the accelerated development of the
country. However, the construction of the power
plants was not without problems as it dislodges
people living in those areas. People who lived in the
area for many years were moved out and resettled
elsewhere. It might not be pleasing to them, but it is
a necessary action to take for the sake of promoting
national development. Building an Ethiopian hydroelectric power plant
REMEMBER
Equality means treating people as equals regardless of sex, race, religion, culture,
nationality, or occupation.
Exercising your right to equality has limitations, as the use of your rights can be
conditioned by your obligation to others.
As expressed in the Constitution, you have freedom of speech and expressions; but
your freedom of expression does not allow you to verbally abuse or insult others.
Your personal interests are protected only to the extent that the interest of the
public is not adversely affected.
It is right to promote the individual interest so long as the outcome does not affect
the common good.
Public interests should precede individual rights.
36 CIVICS AND ETHICAL EDUCATION — GRADE 11 STUDENT TEXTBOOK
UNIT 3 — EQUALITY LESSON 3
L E S S O N 3
Gender Issues and Socially
Discriminated Groups
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to: decisions, alongside their male counterparts.
explain how women and the socially discriminated Through affirmative action, today women in
groups are treated unfairly in society. Ethiopia are enjoying many advantages. This helped
women to experience positive discrimination to
Give an example of a group that experiences compensate them for past injustices. In this regard,
social discrimination. Why are they sometimes female and male students can join universities
not treated equally? with different cumulative grade point average
requirements. Like in education, some jobs, through
Gender issues, in the main, refer to determined affirmative action, give priority to females.
patterns of behaviour in relation to rights, duties,
A new family law has been issued to protect
obligations and responsibilities assigned to females
women’s rights in marriage and divorce. These are
and males in society. The cultural differences in a
positive developments that have empowered women.
society shape how gender issues are viewed and
Empowering women means empowering society as
handled. The history of human society, for the most
a whole. Women are the backbone of society and
part, is marked by unfair treatment for women.
women’s empowerment is one of the cornerstones
Women in Ethiopia are often denied the same of social justice. The development of a country is
rights that men enjoy. In the past women were achieved when all women are treated fairly and
denied the right to own and inherit land and other equally to men.
properties. Thus, they were subordinate to men.
The development of Ethiopia requires addressing
They had no right to decide who to marry and
the equality of disabled groups as much as gender
live with. They were subject to circumcision, early
issues. These are citizens who are physically and
marriage, abduction and domestic violence.
mentally impaired and who need special treatment.
At present, women have the same legal rights as Schools, workplaces, shops, hotels, transportation
men. They have constitutional protection to enjoy services and even roads need to be constructed to
their rights. They have equal access to education, jobs handle them. Communities should give attention
and health care and also have freedom of expression to the disabled members to support them. They
and the right to form an association. More female deserve special attention because they are part of
students are in schools and universities now than in the society to be sympathized and cared for. They
the past. They are assuming ministerial positions; have a right to be able to access the same things as
and given the opportunity, they can make higher those who are able bodied.
CIVICS AND ETHICAL EDUCATION — GRADE 11 STUDENT TEXTBOOK 37
UNIT 3 — EQUALITY LESSON 3
Gender Issues and Socially Discriminated Groups
Create a list of similarities and differences between male and female students. Examine why
these exist and consider what effect they may have on society.
CASE STUDY
Women’s achievements
In the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Tirunesh Dibaba set
a new world record in the 10,000 meters women
competition. She performed this great feat in the
face of very tough competition. Her achievement is a
pride for the Ethiopians. She displayed a great deal of
determination to translate what she promised to the
Ethiopians into practice. She set a new world record
in an environment that was hot and humid. She is
one of the icons of Ethiopia and a role model for
Ethiopian girls.
Form groups to discuss whether women can
do more if given the opportunity and treated
equally. Group leaders should present their
Female Ethiopian athlete
ideas to the class for more discussion.
The disabled can be productive
38 CIVICS AND ETHICAL EDUCATION — GRADE 11 STUDENT TEXTBOOK
UNIT 3 — EQUALITY LESSON 3
Gender Issues and Socially Discriminated Groups
REMEMBER
Gender issues, in the main, refer to determined patterns of behaviour in relation
to rights, duties, obligations and responsibilities assigned to females and males in
society.
The cultural differences in society shape how the different gender issues are
viewed and handled.
The history of human society, for the most part, is marked by unfair treatment of
women.
In Ethiopia, most women were denied the same rights that men enjoyed.
At present, women have the same legal rights as men.
Empowering women means empowering society as a whole.
The development of Ethiopia requires addressing the equality of disabled groups
as much as gender issues.
CIVICS AND ETHICAL EDUCATION — GRADE 11 STUDENT TEXTBOOK 39
UNIT 3 — EQUALITY LESSON 4
L E S S O N 4
The Tendency to Negate Unity
in Diversity
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to: Ethiopia is a multicultural and multi ethnic
describe the negative impact of failing to country with over seventy ethnic groups inhabiting
acknowledge unity in diversity. its territories. Today they are classified as nations,
nationalities and peoples. They have constitutionally
protected rights of equality. No one group is superior,
Describe one cultural event or activity you really
as no group is inferior. All, big or small, have
enjoy to your neighbour.
equal rights to protect, advance and promote the
Unity in diversity is all about the mutual existence development of their cultural distinctions. Ethiopia
of different cultural groups. Societies, having is as different as its cultural and ethnic groups are
such diversity, are called multicultural societies different. Its unity can be expressed through the
and countries consisting of such compositions are unity that its ethno-cultural groups forge among
multicultural nations. The political doctrine that themselves with a shared purpose and objectives.
upholds this way of life is termed multiculturalism. When we are united as a nation, we are strong,
It means living together to respect others’ languages, but if we lose what unites us, we will be weak. The
religions and ways of life. This is based on the belief roles you play should bring the nations, nationalities
that all cultures, religions and languages are equal, and peoples of the country together. To do this you
thus everyone deserves to be treated equally. A have to respect the cultures, languages and religions
multicultural society exists in peace as long as all of others.
its members display mutual respect for one another.
Failure to do so can easily jeopardize the social Form groups to discuss the positive and
peace and the ability to live as one community. negative activities that can affect the unity
of the peoples of Ethiopia and list them.
The Afar people
40 CIVICS AND ETHICAL EDUCATION — GRADE 11 STUDENT TEXTBOOK
UNIT 3 — EQUALITY LESSON 4
The Tendency to Negate Unity in Diversity
CASE STUDY
The Hamer of South West Ethiopia
The Hamer lives in the South Nations, Nationalities, and promote themselves. Many anthropologists have
and Peoples Regional State. They inhabit the area studied their way of life for many years. The Hamers
around the town of Jinka. They are herdsmen live with others with respect, dignity and harmony.
combining some agriculture for their living. They have
their own language, belief system and other cultural What enables the Hamer to live in harmony
traits that they are proud of. They share the same with others? Discuss in groups.
rights as the people of the rest of Ethiopia to develop
REMEMBER
Unity in diversity is all about the mutual existence of different cultural groups.
A multicultural society exists in peace as long as all its members show mutual
respect for one another.
Ethiopia is as different as its cultural and ethnic groups are different.
When we are united as a nation, we are strong, but if we lose what unites us, we
will be weak.
Hamer family group
CIVICS AND ETHICAL EDUCATION — GRADE 11 STUDENT TEXTBOOK 41
UNIT 3 — EQUALITY
UNIT SUMMARY
In this unit, you have learnt the importance of equality manifesting itself in the political, economic, social
and cultural aspects. You have seen the need to treat the nations, nationalities and peoples of Ethiopia as
equals to preserve its unity, and achieve development to live a better life. It is important for you to develop
the capacity to treat males and females as equals. The development of Ethiopia can be achieved when you
support women’s empowerment in the country as a whole. You should help the disabled and treat them as
equals because they are citizens.
GLOSSARY
Affirmative action: Positive actions taken to address socially disfavoured groups in order
to compensate past injustices.
Disabled group: A group which comprises of individuals who are mentally or physical
impaired.
Equality: Is a political doctrine that rests on the belief that citizens of a country
should enjoy the same and equal rights in economic, political, social
and cultural areas.
Gender: Is a concept pertaining to the relationship between men and women.
Gender issues: Issues related to the relationship between men and women.
Individual rights: Is a political thinking that refers to rights that every individual enjoys
in society.
Socially discriminated groups: Are members of society who are discriminated against due to ethnic,
religious, sexual, cultural or physical disability or occupation.
Unity in diversity: Is the mutual existence of different cultural groups.
UNIT REVIEW EXERCISES
Do these review exercises in your exercise book.
Part I – Multiple choice (a) women
1. Which one of the following groups do not (b) minority groups
demand equal treatment with others? (c) groups whose language is on the verge of
(a) nations vanishing
(b) nationalities (d) none
(c) people 3. Unity in diversity does not mean one of the
(d) none following:
2. Affirmative action may not be needed in (a) treating ethnic groups equally
Ethiopia only for one of the following: (b) treating all regions as equals
42 CIVICS AND ETHICAL EDUCATION — GRADE 11 STUDENT TEXTBOOK
UNIT 3 — EQUALITY
(c) be willing to work with others having 5. Socially discriminated groups have the same
different viewpoints rights as others.
(d) to accept that some societies are superior
to others Part III – Short answers
1. What is equality?
Part II – True or false 2. What do you understand by affirmative
1. Disabled groups in society need special actions? Give examples.
attention. 3. What are your individual rights? State
2. Equality means to demand anything and get it. some.
3. Ethiopia is a country where there are no 4. Describe one gender issue you see in society.
gender issues. How can things be improved?
4. Gender equality means replacing male
dominance by female dominance.
CIVICS AND ETHICAL EDUCATION — GRADE 11 STUDENT TEXTBOOK 43
