Children’s Agency in Responding to Shocks and Adverse Events in Ethiopia

Using survey and qualitative data, this publication focuses on children’s experiences of disaster and adverse advents.

It finds that children’s experiences of disaster and adverse events differ from adults’ and even the household’s as a whole. Some of these experiences are seen to have long-term, negative consequences for children’s wellbeing. Children are found to be active social agents in times of adversity. Their agency is reflected in their decisions to take on paid work, contribute to the household income, and take care of their own basic needs.

As a whole, how children cope with adverse events needs to be given close attention. These coping mechanisms can leave children vulnerable in different ways. The paper suggests that children’s active agency should be acknowledged while at the same time given protection.