aa noun

what an honour to participate in a fantastic roundtable at the International Conference: Women’s and Gender History in Times of Challenges to Democracy, Diversity and Responsibility hosted in Bielefeld this September. The Kongress-Geschlechtergeschichte’s 2026 theme was: women’s and gender history in times of challenges to democracy, diversity, and responsibility (Anfechtung von Demokratie, Diversität und Verantwortung). Our panel discussed gender and colonialism, working from the margins, in silent - and silenced - archives, working amidst restrictions, visa denials, shaky internet connection and threats to the field. discussing when collaboration is welcomed and when it is better to put to the side, language, dignity and agendas. a dynamic discussion, Q&A and lengthy responses, most of all by yours truly, who continues to use academia as an excuse to yap endlessly about the past. ✨ today, as yesterday, as tomorrow and forever more: grateful. thank you to our incredible chairs: Ulrike Lindner and Bettina Brockmeyer. thank you also to our - academic+beyond - mothers, godmothers, grandmothers who have been writing Africa, beyond/before/despite colonialism. reference on the last slide (#researchives)