Hadiya society resides in the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ State. The Zone is named after the Hadiya Kingdom. Hadyas administered by their own administrative system (Sera) and leaders in different hierarchies. There are five ‘Sera’ structures. The first one is Menedana. On this structure, a family is assumed like one organization and from 25-30 family members administered in it.
In the second administrative structure, Moldana, families and relatives would be administered. Suldana is the third structure. In this structure, if anything left unaccomplished in the Moldana structure, it will be solved. Furthermore, the Suldana structure is responsible to address and solve different clans’ problems.
Geshdana encompasses Suldana. Neged (clan); administers different clans and a collection of Gecho. Those leaders, who manage the above structures, are called by the name of ‘Dana’. Garad, while it is the highest hierarchy and the last designation, the person who leads Hadya in general or a leader of all Garads called ‘Hadya Garad’.
As to Hadya’s culture, a man will receive a power based on how he respects his wife. And after he gets the resignation, his wife would be called by the name of ‘Ete’. She too has the power and everyone is expected to respect her like a queen. Beside from this, other ordinary women have their own power; every man is obliged to respect every woman.
The other unique culture that gives women especial honor is ‘Qelbesa’. ‘Qelbesa’ is a party which is held after a month woman gives birth. This party is carried out by women, drawn from different administrative structures. While only the father of the new born is duty bound to cut wood, others are not allowed to join the party. Furthermore, no one can refuse women from attending this party. If a husband attempts to refuse his wife from participating in the party, he will be cast out from the society and other social activities. The festivity is celebrated through eating, drinking and dancing till 2:00 am.
Hadya Garad Ashan Gebrekidan Kelbago said that in Hadya society, women have big power and respects. Anyone who disrespects women faces penalties.
In Hadya society polygamy is though acceptable, women have full rights of possession. The man cannot take any of property to marry another woman, but to accumulate his own property by himself. Furthermore, if he aspires to divorce his wife, the Sera system supports her to take the full treasures they have accumulated.
In Hadya society women’s contribution is a lot. When a Dana or Garad is called to resolve conflicts or crises, he asks his wife advice beforehand to reach to the right decision.
Beside from this, Hadya women have the power to warn burglars and robbers, to expose themselves, ask for an apology and to punish wrongdoers.
Even when conflict arises between clans, if woman’s understood the clash is irresistible and causing harm on people, they take part to arbitrate the case, he added
The Ethiopian Herald March 07, 2020
BY BETHLEHEM ASFAW
