In her novel Sina de Aruanda, Mozambican writer Virgilia Ferrão gives her characters a voice, agency over their own destinies, and a role as custodians of memory. The narrative recalls the historical phenomenon of the prazos da coroa (Crown land grants), set in a fictional location in Mozambique where this system once existed — and where, historically, women held power. This imagined setting will be explored through feminist and memory studies frameworks.

Sara Antonia Jona Laísse holds a PhD in Literatures and Cultures in Portuguese, with a thesis on Interculturality and the Literary Canon in Mozambique. Her research focuses on this theme, particularly on the dialogue between Mozambican literature and that of other regions, especially Portugal. She has contributed to academic books and journals, writes for the Portuguese newspaper Sete Margens, and is the author of school textbooks and five books: two essay collections, one standalone essay volume, and two books of chronicles.

Organising Committee

Margarida Rendeiro (CHAM)

Organization

CHAM / NOVA FCSH

Poster (.pdf)