Loes Oudenhuijsen works as a PhD student on her own project, titled ‘’Islam, everyday ethics, and its gendered contestations: ‘’wicked’’ women in Senegal from 1950 to the present.’’ The study aims to uncover historical transformations and continuations of gender norms in Senegal, through the figure of sexually transgressive, so-called ‘’wicked’’, women. The biographical narratives of such ‘’wicked’’ women furthermore serve to add to, as well as nuance and challenge, the dominant existing (historical) narrative of gender in Senegal. By creating an (online) archive of these biographical narratives, in collaboration with Senegalese scholars, professionals, and interlocutors, Senegalese women shall have access to a part of their history and that of their foremothers that may explain historical change and continuity with regards to their position as ‘’wicked’’ women.

In addition to her work at the ASCL, Loes is involved in Voice4Thought Foundation as an academic director. Voice4Thought is a non-profit foundation that offers a platform where different voices of the world participate in building an inclusive debate and critical knowledge on issues concerning our time, such as democracy, activism, radicalisation, to name a few. Voice4Thought works as an open platform that engages with researchers, artists, activists, bloggers, and institutions to co-create new forms of knowledge and reflection.

Loes holds a BSc in International Development Studies from Wageningen University, and an MA in African Studies (research) from Leiden University.

Key words: Senegal; sexuality; gender norms; agency; political economy; Islam; secularity