Opening Date: December 8, 2025

Closing Date: January 31, 2026

Notification of Acceptance: End of February, 2026

Introduction

The Rift Valley Institute (RVI) is an independent non-profit research institute that works across eastern and central Africa to advance knowledge of the region’s diverse communities and bring local realities into social and political action. RVI partners with institutions to design long-term programmes that blend research, education, and public information. The Peace Research Facility (PRF), with funding from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), is dedicated to producing timely, policy-relevant research on peace and conflict dynamics in Ethiopia. PRF’s work supports evidence-based decision-making for the FCDO and a wide range of Ethiopian and international stakeholders working on peacebuilding, conflict prevention and stability.

RVI brings long-standing experience in developing research communities through initiatives such as the Research Communities of Practice (RCoP), the South Sudan Women’s Research Network (SSWRN) and programs on Gender and Responding to Violent Extremism. These efforts have successfully supported collaboration, knowledge exchange and policy influence across diverse academic and practitioner spaces. Building on this foundation, PRF is proud to support the establishment of the Ethiopian Women Researchers’ Network (EWNET).

About EWNET

EWNET is a membership-based platform dedicated to creating a vibrant, inclusive and interdisciplinary community of Ethiopian women researchers in the social sciences and humanities. Its core mission is to amplify the voices of Ethiopian women scholars and strengthen their contributions to research, publication and policy dialogue.

The network aims to:

• Develop a collaborative research community among Ethiopian women scholars.
• Support academic research through financial, technical and mentorship initiatives.
• Facilitate the dissemination of knowledge through seminars, podcasts, writing retreats and public engagement.

EWNET is led by Principal Netsanet Gebremichael and Deputy Principal Dalaya Ashenafi, who together work to advance an inclusive, intergenerational and forward-looking scholarly space.

Call for Diaspora Membership

EWNET is pleased to announce the launch of its Diaspora Membership, a key pillar in expanding the network’s global reach. This membership category is designed for Ethiopian women researchers residing outside Ethiopia who wish to contribute to and participate in Ethiopia-focused research communities meaningfully.

The Diaspora Membership aims to strengthen cross-border collaboration, promote equitable partnerships and foster the exchange of knowledge, expertise and resources between researchers based in Ethiopia and the Diaspora.

Who Can Join?

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Residence: Ethiopian women researchers living outside Ethiopia.
• Disciplinary Focus: Social sciences or humanities.
• Educational Background: Minimum of a Master’s degree (MA) in a relevant field.
• Research Engagement: Demonstrated interest, experience, or ongoing work related to Ethiopia.
• Commitment: Willingness to collaborate, mentor and engage actively in the network’s activities.

Why Join?

Diaspora members will play an essential role in strengthening EWNET’s global academic presence. Membership offers the opportunity to:

Engage and Collaborate

• Work alongside Ethiopian women researchers across Ethiopia and the wider world.
• Participate in EWNET seminars, workshops, writing retreats and collaborative research programs.

Contribute to Knowledge Production

• Join collective research and co-authorship initiatives.
• Amplify Ethiopia-focused scholarship through publications and policy dialogues.

Build Bridges Between Research Communities

• Share global academic trends, methodologies and networks.
• Mentor early-career researchers and guide grant writing, publishing and navigating international academia.

Support Resource Mobilization

• Help identify and link EWNET to international research opportunities, funding sources and relevant academic spaces.

Strengthen Advocacy

• Serve as ambassadors for Ethiopian women’s scholarship, expanding the visibility of EWNET in global research and policy forums.

Application Process

Full membership guidelines, application procedures and further details about EWNET will be presented by Netsanet Gebremichael (PhD) during an online orientation event organized by the EWNET team on Friday, December 26, 2025. Interested participants are kindly requested to RSVP using the link provided via email.

Contact EWNET

For further information: infoewnet@gmail.com

Podcast Archive (EWNET Playlist) – Click here

Join us in building a dynamic, interconnected global community of Ethiopian women researchers committed to advancing knowledge, collaboration and impact.