Dr. Jessica Reuther

Dr. Jessica Reuther, an Associate Professor specializing in West African history, delves into girl fostering in Dahomey from 1720 to 1940. She discusses how this practice created complex kinship dynamics and economic exploitation of girls' labor. Reuther explores the various forms of child transfer, the shift in girlhood definitions amidst colonial changes, and the narratives of girls like Ahulepe, who navigated agency and resistance. Her research sheds light on the evolving roles of girls and social mothers against colonial pressures and contemporary legacies.

Dr. Jessica Reuther, an Associate Professor of African and world history at Ball State University, shines a light on girlhood in Dahomey from 1720 to 1940 in her upcoming book. She explores the practice of girl fostering, creating ties of kinship that blend care and economic exploitation. Reuther discusses archival challenges in recovering girls’ voices and their agency, revealing how social norms and colonial pressures reshaped their lives. With insights into historical practices and contemporary implications, her work uncovers the complexity of female experiences in West Africa.