African Feminism

Some African women, like myself consider ourselves feminists but continue to remain conscious of the positive African values we were raised with. As African women we have unique challenges and realities that we face every day. These realities are not captured or a point of discussion in radical western feminism. In African culture, which is chiefly patriarchal, men are usually the dominant sex. In the resent quest for gender equality we face the dilemma of challenging conservative patriarchal practices while still being seem as African women who were raised to honour and serve the men in our lives. There is a fine balance in doing this. Subtly steering African males in viewing the sexes as being equal, each sex having potential without being accused of having been colonised or influenced by Western Feminism.

I am still set aback by my male friends and relatives when they make the statement ‘Ah! So you are a feminist”. I can never comprehend that it should be a discussion or even intended to be accusatory. We have progressed greatly in gender equality and everyone should be a feminist with the intention of ensuring equality for the sexes. African women face the unique and complex form of intersectionality which includes being a woman, being African and being a feminist all the same time. All these are distinguishable from the same struggles challenging Western Feminism. Western intellectual feminism rarely addresses, and rather condemn aspects of African culture such as polygamy and forced or early marriage. This thought process reveals the patronising, rather than the collaborative attitude of “Western Feminists” towards African women.

African feminists are caught between the preservation of culture and the tolerance of practices that violate the rights of women. Many of these practices are severe and are recognized in many African protocols. African feminism is clearly one that exists with conditions. There are various forms of African feminisms that originated from a range of sources. These various forms address diverse aspects that align with various women’s experiences.

However, true and meaningful feminism for all women is the inevitable rejection of male dominance and a desire to be resourceful and self-reliant in a world where equality of the sexes prevails.