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This book explores the content of 653 Amharic (Ethiopian) songs produced in cassettes in 1997 Ethiopian Calendar (i.e. from September 2004-2005). In order to assess women´s portrayal and existing gender issues in the lyrics, the author analyzed the songs using a coding sheet that integrated 16 physical traits, 19 personality traits and 3 variables on division of labor related to women. In addition, in-depth interviews were undertaken with 10 songwriters in order to assess what affects the content of songs, and to understand women´s role in writing lyrics. In addition to being the first of its kind in relation to Amharic songs, the study is also significant in its contribution as a background information for further studies aimed at assessing the effect of songs on the public, and on how women´s portrayal in songs affects women´s role in the public sphere.

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Tsion Yohannes has studied Sociology and Gender Studies (Addis Ababa University) and has been working as a consultant for the past 4 years with international and local non-governmental organizations in Ethiopia through providing trainings, conducting researches, and evaluations on gender and a range of other development issues.

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