In some ways, they were able to use the equal status garnered on the battlefield to liberate themselves from the repressive traditions of their predominantly patriarchal society. Prior to independence, family members arranged their daughters' marriages - frequently when the girls were in early adolescence. Women's low status was captured in proverbs and folk songs that compared them with donkeys. They were even forbidden to own property. Things have changed since the war.
Women run businesses.
They have representation in government and have won the right to own property. More young women are choosing the men they marry. But other things remain the same, despite government promises to change them. She married and bore her first child in the field. She now works at the Gajeret Fish Market in Asmara, a business cooperative run by female ex-fighters.