s5The Ethiopian Society of Sociologists, Social Workers and Anthropologists (ESSSWA) was founded in June 1996 as a professional society of Sociologists, Social Workers and Anthropologists with the objective of playing a facilitation role in tapping the potentials of these professions and its members in social development endeavors of the country. Its aims are to develop member’s professional competence and enhance their contribution in addressing existing and emerging social issues. It works closely with relevant government stakeholders such as Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (MoLSA), Ministry of Women, Children and Youth Affairs (MoWCYA), civil society organizations, private and government universities, international donors such as USAID, World Bank and Oak Foundation.


ESSSWA’s center of excellence is in research and training focusing on social issues like early childhood development, social protection of children in sexual abuse, exploitation and those exposed to street life. Furthermore, social issues related to disability of all ages, gender-based violence and studies on human and social capital resources are its major areas of focus in its annual conferences. ESSSWA has strong networks with social and policy forums working closely with training and research institutions all over the country. Since its establishment, ESSSWA is devoted to shade light to the social well being of the Ethiopian People through policy debates using its responsive and proactive research findings.


Currently, ESSSWA has more than 900 active members who are working in various organizations including higher learning institutions and universities, civil society organizations, government offices, UN organizations, bilateral donor agencies and grass roots institutions and communities.
It has good working relationship with governmental organizations, donors, other professional associations and universities. Moreover, it has 18 years of experience and success in facilitating, coordinating and networking with a wide range of members and partners across the country. Through its broad-based membership base, ESSSWA’s visibility is increasing from time to time. As a result, it is also attracting the support of many donors. At present,

ESSSWA is implementing a three-year USAID funded project known as “Strengthening Public Sector Social Service System in Ethiopia (SPSSSSE), nationwide. The total project budget is US$2 million and it is in its second year of implementation. The target is to train 4000 community level social service workers using TVET’s tailored training curriculum. Moreover, it is also implementing another three-year project titled; :Enhancing Institutional and Research Capacities to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (EIRC – PCSAE). The purpose of this Project is to build the capacities of practitioners, academicians and students of Social work, Sociology and Anthropology in Ethiopia in violence prevention and in key research skills. The Ethiopian Society of Sociologists, Social Workers and Anthropologists (ESSSWA) aims to achieve this through trainings, seminars and facilitating dialogue