Institutionalization of gender studies in higher education: an analysis based on narratives of feminist academics

This paper analyzes, through the narratives of three feminist female professors of a public university in Northeastern Brazil, their contributions for the institutionalization of gender studies. Institution, feminist identity, narrative and gender are the highlighted analytical categories. The analysis shows that it was possible to introduce gender studies in the university through these professors' activism. Gender studies are seen as less important and are partially established through independent groups. The professors interviewed struggle for recognition, either alone, or jointly.