Becoming a man among the Borana, a pastoralist community in southern Ethiopia and northern Kenya, is a complex and transformative process. Young men, known as gabaro, undergo a series of rituals and ceremonies that mark their transition from boyhood to manhood. These rituals involve physical challenges, such as running long distances and wrestling, as well as spiritual and cultural teachings. Upon completing these rituals, the gabaro are recognized as fully-fledged members of the community, able to marry, own property, and participate in decision-making. The transition to manhood is a significant milestone in a Borana man's life, and it is celebrated with great joy and pride.
