Indigenous Afro-Feminist Theories in Africa

Abstract

This chapter presents indigenous Afro-feminist theories routed in African histories and cultures, largely based on the unhu philosophy including womanism, motherism, stiwanism, nego-feminism, femalism, religious feminism like Islamic feminism, bread and butter feminism, and the contemporary wave of young feminists, among others. At the root of these indigenous Afro-feminist theories is the recognition of the fact that men and women share the world and should therefore share in the joys and suffering of their fellow human beings. These theories came as a form of resistance to cultural imperialism by which the West undermines the philosophical ideologies and belief systems of African peoples. Although, the theorists problematise aspects of culture that denigrate women, they argue for the retention of African values favourable to upholding social cohesion, human dignity, collective effort and respect for humanity as evidenced in the ubuntu philosophy and traditions. Thus, indigenous Afro-feminist theoretical frameworks seek to revise and retain African traditions.