Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
FEMALE PHOBIA
In some of the monasteries and holy sites of Ethiopia, an ancient prohibition forbids women from setting foot in
the holy confines. But the holy fathers go strictly by the topic: the prohibition extends not just to women but to all
female creatures, even she donkeys, hens and nanny goats.
Women Travellers
Compared with many African countries, Ethiopia is pretty easygoing for women travel-
lers. The risk of rape or other serious offences is likely lower than in many Western coun-
tries. The best advice is to simply be aware of the signals your clothing or behaviour may
be giving off and remember these unspoken codes of etiquette.
»Drinking alcohol, smoking, and wearing excessive make-up and revealing clothes are in-
dications to the male population of 'availability', as this is also the way local prostitutes
behave. Apart from the young of the wealthier classes in Addis Ababa, no 'proper' wo-
man would be seen in a bar.
»Many cheap hotels in Ethiopia double as brothels. Ethiopian men may naturally wonder
about your motives for staying here, particularly if you're alone. While there's no cause
for alarm, it's best to keep a low profile and behave very conservatively - keep out of the
hotel bar, for example, and try to meet up with other travellers if you want to go out.
»Accepting an invitation to an unmarried man's house, under any pretext, is considered a
latent acceptance of things to come. Dinner invitations often amount to 'foreplay' before
you're expected to head off to some seedy hotel. Even a seemingly innocent invitation to
the cinema can turn out to be little more than an invitation to a good snog in the back row.
»Be aware that 'respectable' Ethiopian women (even when they're willing) are expected
to put up a show of coyness and modesty. Traditionally, this formed part of the wedding-
night ritual of every Amhara bride: a fierce struggle with the groom was expected of
them. Consequently, some Ethiopian men may mistake your rebuttals for encouragement.
The concept even has a name in Amharic:
maqderder
(and applies equally to feigned re-
luctance for other things such as food). If you mean no, make it very clear from the start.
»If there aren't any other travellers around, here's a quick trick: pick a male Ethiopian
companion, bemoan the problems you've been having with his compatriots and appeal to
his sense of pride, patriotism and gallantry. Usually any ulterior plans he might have been
