African Feminist Perspectives on African Culture

Abstract

This chapter explores the concept of culture and how it is viewed in relation to feminism in Africa. The chapter starts by discussing the concept of culture, the status of women in precolonial Africa, and developments during colonialism to demonstrate gender inequality does not have its roots in Africa. Next, the chapter discusses two views on the relationship between African culture and the status of women in Africa: one originating from Western sisters and other “sympathizers” arguing that African culture is detrimental to women's freedom and thus reduces African women to objects of pity; and the other one mainly arguing that if African women are really oppressed today, African culture is not to blame, but contact with the West. The chapter then discusses genital modification as a controversial custom and traditional practice in African culture. Nevertheless, the practising women themselves say they benefit from the practices and therefore do not want to stop them. The chapter closes by discussing the way forward for African feminism and culture.