Born: 1945
Biography:
Joséphine Guidy Wandja (born 1945, also Guidy-Wandja) is an Ivorian mathematician. She is best known for being the first African woman to obtain a PhD in mathematics. Wandja’s life and work have not only paved a path for future generations of African women in the field of mathematics, but also made significant contributions to the global mathematical community.
Wandja was born in 1945 and moved to France at the age of 14. She attended the prestigious Lycée Jules-Ferry in Paris, where her mathematical talents began to flourish. She later pursued higher education at the Pierre and Marie Curie University. Her master’s degree thesis, entitled Sous les courbes fermées convexes du plan et le théorème des quatre sommets (Under closed convex curves in the plane and the theorem of four peaks), showcased her keen analytical skills and exceptional understanding of mathematical concepts.
During her time in Paris in the late 1960s, Wandja had the privilege of being advised by renowned mathematicians such as René Thom, Henri Cartan, and Paulette Liberman. Their guidance and mentorship played a crucial role in shaping her career and inspiring her to undertake groundbreaking research.
In pursuit of her dreams, Wandja returned to her home country and enrolled in the University of Abidjan to pursue a PhD in mathematics. This significant achievement made her the first African woman to earn a doctoral degree in mathematics. Her groundbreaking accomplishment not only shattered barriers for women in academia but also broke down long-standing stereotypes about the abilities of African mathematicians.
After completing her studies, Wandja embarked on an illustrious career in academia. In 1969, she worked at the Lycée Jacques Amyot in Melun before spending a year at the Paris Diderot University. In 1971, she joined the University of Abidjan as a mathematics lecturer, becoming the first African female university mathematics professor. Her appointment was a significant milestone in African academia, as it challenged the prevailing notion that women were not suited for careers in mathematics.
Wandja’s contributions to mathematics extended beyond academia. In 1983, she was appointed the president of the International Committee on Mathematics in Developing Countries (ICOMIDC). The organization, established during the International Mathematical Union (IMU) conference in Warsaw, Poland, without the IMU’s knowledge, aimed to promote the development of mathematics in developing countries. Wandja’s leadership and dedication to this cause highlighted the importance of inclusivity and equal access to education in the field of mathematics.
In addition to her academic and organizational achievements, Wandja also showcased her talent for communication through various mediums. In 1986, she authored a humorous 24-page mathematical comic book titled Yao crack en maths. This lighthearted approach to sharing mathematical concepts demonstrated her ability to make mathematics accessible and engaging for people of all ages.
Wandja’s contributions to the mathematical community and her trailblazing achievements as the first African woman with a PhD in mathematics have received widespread recognition. She is an officer of the Ivorian Order of Merit of National Education, as well as the French Ordre des Palmes Académiques. These honors are a testament to her exceptional intellectual prowess and dedication to education.
Joséphine Guidy Wandja’s journey as a mathematician has not only broken down barriers but also inspired countless individuals, particularly women, to pursue their passions in the field of mathematics. Her legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance, determination, and the power of education in shaping a more inclusive and equal world.
Awards:
– Officer of the Ivorian Order of Merit of National Education
– French Ordre des Palmes Académiques