Ethiopian Journal of the Social Sciences and Humanities

“Let Even the Enemy itself not be Childless”

konjit Darkero — 2026-02-09

Marriage and social life present significant challenges for couples without children in developing countries. This study aims to explore the psychological and social difficulties faced by both primary and secondary infertile couples in Ethiopia. Conducted as a qualitative research, the study involved 18 participants -12 individuals from couples experiencing primary infertility and 6 individuals from couples dealing with secondary infertility. Participants were selected using purposive maximum variation sampling. The results revealed that infertile couples faced marital challenges, negative comments, and harsh criticism from family members and the community. Women, in particular, bore a disproportionate share of this burden. Key issues included communication breakdowns, the availability and accessibility of infertility treatment, and financial hardships, all of which contributed to adverse emotional experiences for the couples. Furthermore, there was a notable lack of formal counseling services and psychosocial support at infertility treatment centers. The study underscores the urgent need for psychosocial interventions that incorporate comprehensive support services to improve the well-being of infertile couples at the community level.

Named and Lived

Ahmed Hassen Omer — 2026-02-09

This article examines the historical background of domestic slavery in Ethiopia, offering a reconstruction of enslaved domestic life within the regional and local— history of Shäwa. Centering on the practice of renaming the enslaved individuals, the study explores the social implications of this phenomenon, and its significance within Ethiopia’s broader historical context. The integration of oral narratives to achieve a nuanced analysis sheds light on how slave-naming practices have been preserved, transmitted, and embedded within the wider Ethiopian memory and the evolving field of slavery studies. Drawing on historical accounts from European travelers, oral testimonies from central and North-eastern Shawa particularly those of formerly enslaved such as Ato Zäwde Näsibu of Ankobär and the domestic slave life witness, Ǝmmǝḥoy Bǝzunäš Tǝʾǝzazu of Addis Aläm—the article illuminates key dimensions of domestic slavery. The 1830s are selected as a focal period because the available sources vividly reflect the lived realities of domestic slavery in the study area. Likewise, 1943 marks a critical point of reference, as it was the year in which the 1942 Imperial edict abolishing slavery began to be implemented across Ethiopia, including in the region understudy. Through this approach, the article aims to deepen understanding of Ethiopia’s complex history of slavery and the long-term effects on the social dynamics of Ethiopia.

Behind Bars with their Mothers

Tamuka Davira — 2026-02-09

This study sought to understand experiences of children living with their incarcerated mothers in a designated female prison and correctional facility in Zimbabwe. Employing a qualitative approach for data collection, analysis, and discussion, the research included a sample of seven mothers residing with their children in Shurugwi Female Prison, as well as ten purposively selected correctional officers. The analysis revealed that the prison environment presents significant challenges for children, primarily due to a lack of essential resources for healthy development and the pervasive loneliness caused by the absence of peers for play. Other detrimental factors affecting the well-being of these children include inadequate nutrition and limited access to healthcare services. The study underscores that the incarceration of children not only violates their rights but also negatively impacts their overall well-being; thus, prioritizing non-custodial measures in such situations is crucial.

National Dialogue for Peacebuilding in Ethiopia: Lessons from Rwanda, Tunisia, and Yemen

Kenea Yadeta — 2026-02-09

Since the late 20th century, national dialogues have been a widely recognized mechanism for peace-building during political transitions. Following its own transition in 2018, Ethiopia launched an inclusive public dialogue process aimed at addressing both historical and contemporary sources of discord while fostering national consensus to build a peaceful and prosperous state. While this process holds significant transformative potential, it currently lacks a systematic framework for integrating empirical lessons from comparative international models, which hampers its ability to incorporate proven success mechanisms. This study examines national dialogues in Rwanda, Tunisia, and Yemen to extract a comprehensive set of lessons that could inform Ethiopia’s ongoing process. Through a systematic literature review and thematic data analysis, the study identifies ten key factors that contribute to the success or failure of national dialogues: political will and national ownership; the credibility of the convener; the inclusion or exclusion of key stakeholders; the scope and nature of the dialogue agenda; connecting public suffering to structural solutions; decision making systems; unifying dialogue slogans; support structures and programs; the interplay between tangible and intangible goals of national dialogue; and the implementation and sustainability of dialogue outcomes. Effectively adapting these insights could significantly enhance the prospects for the success of Ethiopia’s national dialogue.

Coping Strategies of Delayed Transition-To-Work of Higher Institution Graduates in Sebeta, Oromia Region

Berhanu Girma — 2026-02-09

The school-to-work transition marks a critical turning point, making young individuals’ shift from formal education to the labor market and their quest for economic independence. In Ethiopia, however, a growing number of higher education graduates, coupled with limited job growth, have made this transition increasingly complex and challenging. This study investigated the coping strategies graduates employ to navigate these challenges. Using a qualitative case study approach, 16 participants were purposefully selected from two groups: unemployed and underemployed graduates. Primary data were collected through in-depth interviews, semi-structured interviews, supplemented by secondary source review. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The results show that graduates adopt a combination of coping strategies rather than a single approach. These include seeking familial and network support; marriage and cohabitation; casual labor; commuting for work; leveraging political connections, volunteerism and freelance services; and religious engagement. These strategies are not mutually exclusive. The support graduates receive is often contingent on situational factors, necessitating dynamic switching between mechanisms. For policymakers, these findings highlight the need for interventions that address graduates’ specific needs, considering situational nature of their coping strategies and local opportunities to enhance effectiveness.