Background: The poor health status of people globally is a reminder of the social
gradient of health that exists within countries and between countries. Together, the
structural determinants and conditions of daily life constitute the social determinants of
health (SDH), and result in much of the health inequity between and within countries. In
an attempt to address the SDH, and challenge the world to tackle poverty and gender
inequalities in the world’s poorest countries, the Millennium Development Goals
(MDGs) were created. Goal three of the global Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
aims at empowering women through policies and programs that builds women's
capabilities, improves their access to economic and political opportunity, and guarantees
their safety. Yet, further research is needed to understand how exactly education
empowers women and translates into “better lives” for women. Purpose: The overall
goal is to examine how women navigate, negotiate, and mediate their sexual and
reproductive health in the complex university environment. Methods: The study was
cross-sectional in design and employed mixed methodology. It consisted of key
informant interviews, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and self-administered
questionnaires. Results: The case study of Ethiopia provides important lessons learned
and an understanding of how to effectively implement strategies to address MDG3.
Results of this study suggest that interventions should enhance women’s power to make
decisions and their ability to access resources. The power dynamics that continue to keep
women down must be addressed to allow them the opportunity to rise to the level of their
male peers.