Nigerian-British Professor Amina Mama has been awarded an honorary doctorate in Sociology by the Nelson Mandela University in recognition of her outstanding contribution to African feminist theory, gender studies, and activist scholarship.

Professor Mama was one of four honorees at this April’s graduation season held across the institution’s George and Gqeberha campuses, where more than 6,208 graduates were capped. The other recipients are Letta Nomali Mbulu (Doctor of Music), Ntombifuthi Temperance Mtoba (Doctor of Commerce – Accounting), and Professor David Richard Boyd (Doctor of Laws).

Professor Amina Mama, a scholar, activist and writer, has lived and worked in Nigeria, South Africa, Britain, the Netherlands and the United States. Her work has critically engaged with issues of post-colonialism, militarism, and gender, and has reshaped discourse on gender equality across the African continent and beyond.

“Today we celebrate Professor Amina Mama, pioneering feminist scholar, activist, and educator, as she receives an Honorary Doctorate in Philosophy (Sociology) from @mandelauniversity,” the Centre for Women and Gender Studies shared on Instagram. “Through her groundbreaking work in gender studies, African feminist thought, and activist scholarship, Professor Mama has transformed knowledge, inspired generations, and expanded the possibilities of liberation.”

Known for her role as the founding editor of Feminist Africa, Professor Mama has been instrumental in amplifying African feminist voices. Her tenure at institutions such as the University of Cape Town—where she led the African Gender Institute from 1999 to 2009—and the University of California, Davis, solidified her legacy as a transformative leader in feminist academia. Her publications include Beyond the Masks: Race, Gender and Subjectivity (Routledge 1995), Women’s Studies and Studies of Women in Africa (CODESRIA 1996), Engendering African Social Sciences (co-edited, CODESRIA 1997), and numerous book chapters and journal articles.

Nelson Mandela University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sibongile Muthwa, remarked in a press release, “These honorary doctorates reflect Nelson Mandela University’s commitment to recognising individuals whose contributions align with its values of social justice, transformation and academic excellence.” She added, “These distinguished individuals have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also profoundly influenced society through their advocacy, leadership, and dedication to human progress.”

Congratulations to Professor Amina Mama!