Revisiting African Womanhood

Abstract

This chapter highlights African women's lives, experiences, and contributions to the continent's social, economic, and political development by revisiting historical archives about African womanhood. The chapter provides critical insights into the diversity and complexity of women's experiences in pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial contexts by examining historical sources such as oral histories, archival documents, and secondary literature. The chapter explores topics including women's roles in pre-colonial societies, the impact of colonialism on women's lives, women's activism in nationalist movements, and the challenges and opportunities of post-colonial African femininity. It also emphasizes the impact of gendered power relations on women's lives and women's strategies to resist and challenge these power dynamics. In conclusion, the chapter demonstrates the significance of emphasizing women's voices and perspectives in writing African history and its implications for current efforts to advance gender equality and social justice in Africa and beyond.