Page 23 - Research & Innovation Report 2020

HUMANITIES

The Centre for Women and Gender Studies –

Women’s Power and Leadership in Society

“The CWGS’ mandate is to resuscitate all African University’s Dr Siphokazi Magadla and the University of
women’s voices and histories – workers, rural women, Cape Town’s Dr Athambile Masola. Due for publication
women in business, politics, the arts …” says Dr in 2022, the book explores the voices of women in all
Magoqwana. spheres – from pop icon and activist Brenda Fassie to
intellectual activist Charlotte Maxeke.
“We are partnering with other universities in the
Eastern Cape, such as Rhodes University, in talking The CWGS is also exploring what it means to be
about women’s liberation histories and popularism; ‘Queer in Africa’, based on the work of Professor Zethu
how women in the liberation struggle were more Matebeni, the centre’s first visiting professor, and DSI-
than mothers and wives – they were essential to the NRF Research Chair in Genders and Sexualities at
revolution. the University of Fort Hare. Her research focuses on
gender and sexuality, and specifically, Black lesbian
“Throughout the pandemic we have hosted weekly lives, LGBTQ rights and queer issues.
seminars, with presentations from scholars all
over the world,” says Dr Magoqwana. “We’ve 150 years of Charlotte Maxeke
featured more than 32 gender scholars and many In May 2021, a month-long programme celebrated
postgraduates. The virtual space has given the 150 years of Charlotte Maxeke (7 April 1871–16
CWGS the opportunity to increase dramatically and October 1939). Maxeke was the first Black South
we adapted quickly. To actively collaborate globally African woman to graduate with a university degree
is one of the most beautiful moments for us in this and remains a key historical figure as a female
tragic time. We have literally experienced the centre South African political leader. Her life and struggles
going global.” epitomised women’s struggles against the deprivation
of basic human rights such as dignity, happiness,
The CWGS is currently working on a book on African education, employment opportunities and property
women’s intellectual histories co-edited with Rhodes ownership.

“We’ve featured more than 32 gender scholars

and many postgraduates. The virtual space has

given the CWGS the opportunity to increase

dramatically and we adapted quickly.”

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