OWA UK Is Voice for the Voiceless. Sagalee worra sagalee hin,qabneefi
OWA UK is none political organisation launched on the 1st of February 2014.
Oromo Women’s Association in the United Kingdom (OWA UK) is a registered Charity in England and Wales
- Registered with Charity Commission on 06/10/15
- Charity Commission registration No. 1163845
OWA UK is a sisterhood organisation striving for Peace, Justice & Equality
Mission statement:
Our mission is to strengthen, empower and liberate Oromo women’s mind from all forms discrimination against them and better their life
Purpose: To campaign against stereotypes & any forms of oppressive cultural practices against Oromo women in order to maintain their physical and mental health wellbeing. It is also to facilitate leisure activities for Oromo women and establish a network with other sister organisations. We advocate for girls education, peace, equality and justice.
Who we are:
We Oromo women belong to one of the largest nation in East of Africa called Oromo.
‘The Oromo are descendants of the Eastern-Kushitie group of people indigenous to the Horn of Africa, with a population of over 40 million, which makes them one of the largest indigenous peoples of East Africa.’
- Our land is Oromia and the language is Orommiffa or Affaan Oromo
- Oromo women make up 50 % of the Oromo population
- We write and read in quubee
- Our religion is waqqefata, none believer, Muslim and Christian
Facts about Oromo People:
Historically and even to day in some areas of Oromia, Oromo people have indigenous democratic system called Gadaa system. This system does not allow women in the hierarchy. Women are not allowed to vote or to be voted.
Oromo women formed SIQQEE that symbolises their sisterhood and solidarity to maintain their rights in the Oromo society. SIQQEE symbolises women’s right, peace and justice. SIQQEE is a stick that mothers give to a daughter for generation on the day she gets married. Oromo women grab their SIQQEE and leave the house if her husband violates Oromo woman’s right. In other word if Oromo wife experience domestic violence by her husband. They will not return to their house until peace is maintained and the person who violated woman’s right is punished.
At present Gadaa system is under further research to be modernised to include Oromo women. This is a credit to Oromo women’s struggle for equality.