The Ethiopian Women Researchers Network (EWNET) hosted an online scholarly webinar on Friday, 30 January 2026, titled ‘Writing Ethiopia into the World and Writing the World from Ethiopia’. The webinar examined how Ethiopia has been represented within global knowledge production and how Ethiopian thinkers and political leaders have historically engaged with ideas beyond the country’s borders. The presentation explored the role of foreign scholars in shaping international understandings of Ethiopia while critically reflecting on the strengths and limitations of external perspectives in comparison with Ethiopian scholarship. It also considered how Ethiopian intellectual traditions and political projects have drawn on global ideas to inform paths of modernization.
The webinar was presented by Professor Emeritus Christopher Clapham of the University of Cambridge and moderated by Dr Asnake Kefale of Addis Ababa University. Drawing on decades of research and engagement with Ethiopia, the discussion generated strong participation and thoughtful questions from attendees. The session highlighted the importance of situating Ethiopian knowledge production within wider global debates while centring local intellectual contributions and historical experience. In this publication, we include the full text of Prof Clapham’s presentation. A recording of the webinar and discussion is available online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hMQ7fkqY3A.
The webinar formed part of EWNET Writing Bootcamp II, a wider initiative that included a three-day writing retreat and open sessions aimed at strengthening scholarly writing and collaboration among Ethiopian women researchers.
About EWNET
This report was produced by the Ethiopian Women Researchers Network (EWNET) within the Peace Research Facility (PRF). EWNET is dedicated to creating a vibrant and supportive network for Ethiopian women researchers in the social sciences and humanities. EWNET uses platforms such as podcasts and seminar series to disseminate and amplify the voices, work and research journeys of Ethiopian women researchers. Check the EWNET website for more information about the network and its activities: https://ewnethub.com
