African Gender Studies authority assumes Prince Claus chair

October 2003 -

Nigerian professor Amina Mama (1958) will hold the Prince Claus chair in 2003/2004. Each year, young scientists from Africa, Asia or Latin America are considered for this rotating chair in the field of development cooperation. The chair was established by the University of Utrecht and the Institute of Social Studies (ISS) in The Hague.

Professor Mama, professor at Cape Town University, is an authority in the field of Gender Studies. She leads the research program Strengthening Gender Studies for Africa’s Transformation, which strives to contribute to the equality and development on the African continent. Mama was also one of the founders of Feminist Africa, the first African journal for Gender Studies. Her book Beyond the Masks; Race, Gender and Subjectivity (1995), is included in the list of 'Best 100 African books of the twentieth century'. Mama also advises various development organisations in the Caribbean area and Africa. In the past she held an academic position with the ISS.