Histories of slavery, women, and agency in Kisangani, DR Congo
Speaker: Margot Luyckfasseel
In this online seminar, Margot Luyckfasseel will discuss the trajectories of women who were part of the so-called Ngwana community in the late 19th century. During this period, the region of Kisangani was connected to the East African coast through caravan trade and the commerce of ivory and enslaved people. Using a limited but rich sample of written and oral sources, the study will explore three key themes:
- Methodological Challenges Studying the history of slavery and the role of women in Central Africa despite a lack of sources.
- Women's Agency in Social and Economic Mobility Examining how these women navigated their circumstances to pursue social and economic opportunities for themselves and their families.
Women, the Household, and Statecraft Analyzing the role of women in embedding East African trade networks locally in Kisangani