The elderly have a special place in Eritrean society, where they are treated with great respect and often asked for advice. Families usually desire elders' approval for any major decision. Elders also settle household conflicts. Women's major role in Eritrea's liberation struggle created a strong sense of respect for them and helped foster gender equality. About 30% of the fighters were women, and many were frontline soldiers. Women who stayed behind in the villages took over the roles of men who had gone to fight. Since independence, the government has pursued an active policy for women's equality and has allocated a quota of 30% for women in the local and provincial assemblies; however, much of Eritrean society remains traditional and patriarchal, especially in the rural areas.

Except among the Kunama, families usually arrange marriages. Traditionally, the boy's family proposes marriage to the girl's family; however, in the cities, young people are increasingly finding their own partners. After a wedding, an Eritrean bride stays in her house for two weeks, during which time her relatives and friends pamper her.

Eritreans live in many styles of homes. The Tigrinya, who constitute about 50% of the population, live in hidmos, a traditional house in the highlands. A heavy, earthen roof is supported by poles and pillars made out of juniper, wild olive or eucalyptus trees. Elsewhere in rural areas, homes may be made of clay or wood, or of portable materials that are easy to dismantle and carry on camels. In the cities, homes are small; recently, apartment buildings have sprung up in Asmara.

Did you know?

The Kunama are the only matrilineal group among the Eritreans. Kunaman women head families, and only people from a mother's side of the family are considered relatives.