Fostering Critical Writing Communities in Cameroon and Ethiopia

We will build upon ongoing collaborations to bring together 40 Early Career Researchers (ECRs) from Ethiopia and Cameroon to cultivate a sense of joy for writing, bolster publication know-how, and hone writing skills. Over two-years, we will host online peer editing and feedback sessions, pair ECRs with professors for career mentoring, host two in-person writing workshops, and publish a Special Issue in a leading social science journal. Activities will be curated by prominent scholars in African political economy and social history and include: (1) In-person workshopping and gender-inclusive online mentoring sessions that deliver targeted feedback on participants’ drafted writing, develop publication workflow, and provide career support and guidance. (2) Hands-on praxis-driven sessions that hone writing aptitudes by building upon concrete tools and practices of writing in the social sciences, including grant writing, mastering tone and structure, time management, ethical use of ChatGPT, the commissioning process, and more.

Workshop team: Dr Amber Murrey, University of Oxford; Dr Emile Sunjo, University of Buea, Cameroon; Dr Odomaro Mubanguizi, Sophia University; Professor Patricia Daley, University of Oxford; Dr Hlabangane Nokuthula, University of South Africa; Dr Walter Nkwi, Leiden University.