WHEAT Women’s Fund has created a platform where you can contribute to keeping the memory and spirit alive of Dr. Thera Wijsenbeek Olthuis (1946- 2010) in a meaningful and practical way. Thera was an academic at the University of Amsterdam and the University of Leiden in the Netherlands. For most of her life she questioned existing rules, societal norms and intellectual assumptions. She related to people on a personal level and cared deeply for her loved ones, students and colleagues. Dr. Thera Wijsenbeek- Olthuis displayed a commitment to gender equality throughout her career, with humour and flair in her interaction with colleagues and on a more serious note in her academic work.

By creating an annual award with a financial contribution for female out-of-the -box and creative thinkers; the Thera award will give the opportunity to women leaders, academics or activists to study further, do research or obtain the necessary skills to achieve their goal.

 

·         Applicants must be female;

·         Applicants must have a track record of creative thinking; and

·         Applicants must demonstrate knowledge and interest in human rights for women.

·         Furthering the successful applicant’s studies on an academic level.

·         Skills development

·         A research project

Preference will be given in the following fields:

History, Social science, Economics, poverty reduction, emancipation

A call for applications will go out via the WHEAT Women’s Fund newsletter and the website, and a notice will be sent to selected Universities and broadcasted on community radio. In addition WHEAT staff will scan the projects they work with for suitable candidates. A representative of the Wijsenbeek family will have input into the final award selection.

All donations to the Thera award will go direct into the endowment fund. Awards will be financed with the interest of the endowment.

 

ABN/AMRO- Mees Pierson