In the sega bet—traditional Ethiopian steakhouses where alcohol flows freely—waitresses were sometimes required to wear miniskirts to attract customers. The text also highlighted goals to preserve “Ethiopian culture and values” and to “prevent physical and psychological pressures” on waitresses. Over the past three years, Betelehem Akalework, co-founder of the feminist platform Setaset Power, received numerous reports of harassment from waitresses compelled to dress provocatively. Yet, banning such outfits is insufficient if harassment and sexual violence continue to be normalized in Ethiopia’s deeply patriarchal society. Let’s not forget that a long dress doesn’t prevent sexual violence,” stressed Feven Araya, executive director of the NGO Ethiopian Women’s Rights Advocate.
