Feminism in Africa

Feminism in Africa

  • Submitted By: CHUKS
  • Date Submitted: 03/20/2010 3:56 PM
  • Category: Science
  • Words: 368
  • Page: 2
  • Views: 532

According to Green & Thorogood (2009, p. 19), ‘‘what accounted for knowledge in feminism reflected a masculine world-view’’. The emancipatory focus of feminism and the restrictive nature of the research methodologies that are based on feminist movements are obvious. To me, it seems more to be an emancipatory view involving advocacy of the claims and rights of women.
Digressing a little to the African perspective of feminism, it is good to note that African feminism is political in response to social and political developments in Africa (Mikell, 2000). Adeleye-Fayemi (2000) also stated that feminism in Africa is rooted in the continent’s historical realities of marginalisation, oppression and domination brought about by slavery, colonisation and globalisation. In addition, feminism in Africa is obviously heterosexual and supportive of motherhood. It does not emphasise female autonomy or seek to dominate. Rather, they seek authentic public participation which will enhance the political and economic realities of their nations and particularly to protect women and children against issues such as violence, exploitation, early marriage, female genital mutilation and unsafe sex. In Nigeria, for instance, women have always demanded for at least 30% of the parliamentary seats and political appointments which will enable them play a role in determining the direction of developments in Nigeria. Dual-sex organisations (associations of market women, sisters, parliamentarians, lawyers, etc) are used in checkmating the excesses of the strong African patriarchal society.
In research, can one say that all information and realities are that of males whereas men and women are different with different social positions (Green & Thorogood, 2009, p. 19)? In my view, female perspectives should be given due consideration in research projects.

References:

1. Adeleye-Fayemi, B. (2000) ‘Creating and sustaining feminist space in Africa: Local-Global challenges in...

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