An Overview of the Chapter's Purpose and Scope
This chapter highlights African women's rich history and contributions to various aspects of African society. It also examines their obstacles and the progress made regarding their empowerment. By exploring the historical archives of African womanhood, we hope to challenge dominant narratives that have marginalised women and offer a more accurate and inclusive understanding of African history.
This chapter examines African women's diverse experiences, roles, and accomplishments during various eras. The examination focuses on African women's significant roles in economic activities, governance systems, and cultural practices during the pre-colonial era. By doing so, we challenge the stereotypes that portray African women as passive and subservient.
It examines the impact of colonialism on African women and how it disrupted and altered traditional gender dynamics. Chilisa & Ntseane (2014) The prevalence of patriarchal systems, limited access to education and resources, and eradication of indigenous practises and knowledge were some challenges African women faced during the colonial period.
The resistance and agency of African women throughout history will also be a primary focus of this chapter. It focuses on the various forms of resistance and activism exhibited by African women, including grassroots movements, political activism, and cultural manifestations. By analysing their strategies for challenging oppressive systems and advocating for their rights and equality, we aim to illustrate the tenacity and initiative of African women throughout history.
It explores the struggles and accomplishments of African women in nation-building after independence. This section examines their contributions to political independence movements, their influence on post-colonial societies, and women's rights and empowerment advancements.
Further, it discusses feminist agendas and contemporary African women's movements. This section explores various women's activities, organisations, and initiatives that have emerged over the past few decades. We will analyse the main issues they address, their change strategies, and their impact on advancing gender equality and women's rights in Africa. Women have utilised art, literature, and creative expression to convey their experiences and perspectives. Women have expressed their identities, struggles, and aspirations through narration, poetry, music, visual art, and performance. These artistic forms have provided alternative documentation and preservation methods for women's narratives. Farmer (2018) Due to biases and a lack of historical records, it can be challenging to document women's experiences and perspectives in African history. However, investigating various sources and methodologies enables a more comprehensive understanding of women's lives. Researchers, historians, and communities can uncover the multidimensional contributions of African women and ensure their voices are acknowledged and included in narratives of African history by piecing together these diverse sources.
This chapter aims to provide a comprehensive and nuanced comprehension of African womanhood throughout history by addressing these themes and issues. Through a critical analysis of historical archives, we hope to challenge dominant narratives, amplify the perspectives of African women, and contribute to the ongoing discourse on women's empowerment and the feminist agenda in Africa.