Tributes Flow for China Expert

Leading Sinologist Professor Elisabeth “Lisa” Croll has died from cancer aged 63. Born in Reefton, on the South Island’s West Coast, Croll gained a BA and MA at Canterbury University before completing a second MA and PhD at the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies. She published prolifically on the role of women and children in China, with many of her books becoming set texts for courses on China’s development. As well as her academic success, Croll enjoyed a distinguished career as an international consultant and policy adviser on issues such as social development, poverty alleviation and the rights of women and children. She worked for the International Labour Organisation, the World Bank, the Ford Foundation and the Department for International Development, and, in 1998, was appointed to the UN Council in Tokyo. She was made a Companion to the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (CMG) for services to higher education earlier this year.

Elisabeth Croll: September 21 1944 – October 3 2007