Exploration on professional family mediation practice in courts of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

The literature recognizes that professional family mediation studies are generally scarce in Africa compared to the developed countries. Despite the overall dearth of mediation studies in Ethiopia, most of the research conducted on issues of mediation until now excluded professional family mediation practices. Qualitative research design was used to explore and describe the practice of professional family mediation in three courts of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Observation, interview, and document reviews were used to collect data. The child friendly space for the children and spouses counseling rooms were observed and mediated case files were reviewed. The generated data were analyzed by using thematic analysis. Four professional family mediators, three lawyers, three family bench judges and a mediation coordinator were participants of the study. The article explores benefits of mediation and the roles and challenges of the mediators. The mediation process promotes a win-win solution and helps spouses to build a stronger relationship. Mediators facilitate conversation through negotiation. The study found out facilitating conversation, educating, encouraging, confronting, bringing scenarios, and referral as the roles of the mediators. Lack of cooperation, limited source of referral, short appointments from judges were challenges mediators face. This article sheds light on the practice of family mediation in courts in Ethiopia. The research has social work implications on how to enhance the quality of mediation services.