African Women Have Significantly Contributed To The Development Of The Continent
Tanignigui Siriki Soro | Contributor on politics-related Topics
African women have played and continue to play a vital role in the social, economic, and political dynamics of their communities. Before colonization, during that dark period in the continent’s history, and even afterward, these trailblazers, who challenged the norms and conventions of their time, paved the way for the emancipation of women and the advancement of development across Africa.
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Today, African women have to reconnect to their history and actively engage in crafting a new narrative, one rich with possibilities and promises. They must rediscover and assert their rightful place in the world, shaping not only the destinies of their communities but also that of the entire continent.
African Women Before Colonization
Before colonization, African women were central figures in their societies, not only as mothers and wives but also as leaders, economists, educators, and guardians of their cultures.
Firstly, African women were pillars of the local economy. Their participation in agriculture, trade, and craftsmanship was not only significant but often decisive. In many cultures, they controlled local markets and effectively managed community resources. This economic role allowed women to gain autonomy and enjoy a degree of social recognition, challenging the gender stereotypes that often prevailed in other contexts.
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Moreover, certain matrilineal societies in Africa empowered women to transmit property rights, thereby strengthening their influence in decision-making processes. These familial structures not only promoted greater gender equality but also enabled women to occupy positions of power, whether as chiefs, healers, or advisors.
Numerous remarkable women have led African kingdoms and empires, such as Amina of Zaria, the queen of the Hausa kingdom of Zazzau (present-day Nigeria) in the 16th century, renowned for her military prowess and territorial expansion; Cleopatra VII, often associated with ancient Egypt and the Hellenistic period, who wielded significant political influence in the first century BCE.
Yaa Asantewaa, the queen mother of the Ashanti kingdom (present-day Ghana) in the late 19th century, who led the resistance against British colonial forces during the War of the Ashanti; and Makeda, the legendary Queen of Sheba, who is said to have ruled over the kingdom of Saba (in present-day Ethiopia and Yemen) and is frequently celebrated in Ethiopian traditions.
Additionally, Fumilayo Ransome-Kuti, though her activism is more closely linked to the 20th century, played a crucial role in advocating for women’s rights and influencing political movements in Nigeria.
These women have left a lasting legacy and played critical roles in the political and social history of their regions. Their leadership roles illustrate that women were often regarded as figures of authority and respect within their communities.
In addition, women played an important role in the transmission of knowledge and traditions. They were the guardians of culture, responsible for educating children and preserving stories and beliefs.
Their engagement in religious and spiritual practices, through participation in rituals and ceremonies, attests to their significance in the spiritual life of their societies. It is also important to note that African women formed networks of solidarity through associations or circles to assist one another in daily tasks and provide mutual support. These groups were essential for strengthening community ties and promoting collective well-being.
Furthermore, in contexts of conflict and war, women also played a decisive role in defending their communities. Notably, the Amazons of Dahomey were a military unit composed of women who served in the Kingdom of Dahomey, an ancient African state located in present-day Benin. This unit is often regarded as one of the first female armies in modern history.
The Amazons consisted of women who were often orphans or chose not to marry. They were trained in combat, balance, and endurance, playing a crucial role in battles. Their presence on the battlefield was not only a matter of military skill but also a symbol of the power and independence of women in Dahomey.
However, their influence began to wane with the arrival of French colonial forces. During the French conquest of Dahomey at the end of the 19th century, the Amazons fought bravely but were ultimately defeated in 1892. After colonization, the role of the Amazons disappeared, but their legend endured.
In Ethiopian history, women have also taken up arms, particularly during battles against invaders, such as the Italians in the early 20th century. The legend of the Queen of Sheba and other female figures, like Queen Menen, highlights the importance of women in resistance and defense.
The Nandi warriors in Kenya included female fighters who participated in combat against British colonizers during the resistance to colonization. In various West African societies, such as the Mandingues and the Mossis, women also took part in warfare, distinguished by their courage in battle. Queen Nzinga Mbande, the queen of the Ndongo and Matamba kingdoms (in present-day Angola) in the 17th century, is renowned for her resistance against the Portuguese and her diplomatic role.
These examples illustrate the symbolism of the struggle for women’s rights and female empowerment, often defying the gender norms of their time, long before colonial powers disrupted these civilizations. Today, while the feminist movement is championed globally, it is essential to recognize that the roots of true feminism can be traced back to Africa.
Women During Colonization
The colonial era spanned from the 15th century to the mid-20th century, a time when European powers established colonies across various territories worldwide, predominantly in Africa. This period was characterized by the expansion of colonial empires, the quest for resources, economic exploitation, and the imposition of European cultures and political systems on indigenous populations.
As a result, African civilizations experienced significant disruption, with traditional social and political structures being dismantled. Women, who historically occupied central roles within African societies, saw their status and influence diminish considerably. They were often relegated to the background, overshadowed by male counterparts.
Colonizers frequently employed sexual violence as a weapon, with rape, sexual abuse, and other forms of brutality being rampant both during and after the colonial period. Women were subjected to forced labor systems, exploited in fields and households, often without adequate compensation.
The colonial powers imposed physical and psychological barriers between Africans and introduced their languages, religions, and Western values, leading many Africans to adopt the colonizers’ languages, practice their religions, and embrace Western norms.
Despite these oppressive circumstances, African women remained resilient. The arrival of colonizers did not extinguish their agency; women continued to play important roles, whether in resistance movements or adapting to new realities. Some collaborated with colonizers in an attempt to secure advantages for their communities, while others actively opposed colonial rule.
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African women often resisted slavery and colonization through various means, participating in revolts or establishing support networks within their communities. Figures such as Nanny of the Maroons in Jamaica epitomized women’s resistance against oppression.
While women played a significant role during the colonial and slavery periods, their histories are frequently overlooked or underrepresented in dominant narratives. They also fought for decolonization and the independence of African nations.
The Struggle Of Women For Decolonization And Independence Countries
After World War II, a wave of decolonization swept through many countries in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean, leading to independence for numerous nations in the 1950s and 1960s. Resistance movements emerged in various colonies, sparking fierce battles for independence.
In Africa, the fight for liberation was notably characterized by the significant participation of women, who played pivotal roles in various liberation movements across the continent. Numerous examples stand out.
Winnie Mandela emerged as a prominent anti-apartheid activist in South Africa and a key figure in the struggle against racial oppression. Married to Nelson Mandela, the iconic leader of the African National Congress (ANC) and the first Black president of South Africa, Winnie was renowned for her passionate activism.
She mobilized support for the anti-apartheid movement, particularly during the years of her husband’s imprisonment. Facing considerable challenges, including harassment by the apartheid regime, imprisonment, and exile, her work focused on advocating for the rights of Black South Africans and combating the injustices of apartheid.
Lillian Ngoyi, a member of the ANC and its Women’s League, was a significant figure in the fight against apartheid. She organized protests, most notably the historic 1956 women’s march against apartheid laws. Although she was active after independence, Wangari Maathai played a role in the environmental and women’s rights movements in Kenya.
Her activism raised awareness about environmental issues and gender equality, and she became the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004.
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti was a Nigerian activist who played a key role in the struggle for Nigeria’s independence. She was the first woman to drive a car in Lagos and founded the Nigerian Women’s Union, which was instrumental in advocating for women’s rights and national independence.
Aminata Sow Fall is a significant figure in Senegalese literature and was also involved in social and political movements. While primarily known for her literary contributions, she used her voice to promote education and women’s emancipation—central themes in the fight for independence.
Aoua Keïta was a Malian activist and feminist who was deeply engaged in the movement for Mali’s independence. She founded the Union of Malian Women and played a crucial role in advocating for women’s rights and empowerment. Simone Gbagbo, the wife of Laurent Gbagbo, was a key figure in the struggle for independence and later in Ivorian politics.
These women, among many others, not only actively participated in the fight for their countries’ independence but also championed women’s emancipation and social justice. Their legacies continue to inspire contemporary struggles for women’s rights and equality in Africa and beyond.
The Contemporary Women And Politics In Africa.
The contemporary era, particularly following the 1990s, marked a pivotal shift as global feminist movements and international frameworks, such as the Beijing Platform for Action (1995), galvanized efforts to enhance women’s participation in governance across the continent.
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Rwanda serves as a notable example of successful gender integration in politics. In the aftermath of the 1994 genocide, the Rwandan government implemented robust policies aimed at fostering gender equality, resulting in one of the highest percentages of women in parliament worldwide. This transformation underscores the potential for political upheaval to catalyze progressive reforms that empower women.
Similarly, South Africa’s transition from apartheid in 1994 heralded a new era for women’s rights. The African National Congress (ANC) prioritized women’s representation in its governance framework, leading to significant advancements in political offices. The establishment of a constitutional commitment to gender equality reflects a broader recognition of the importance of women in leadership roles.
Ethiopia and Uganda present further illustrations of the effectiveness of gender quotas in enhancing female political representation. The Ethiopian government has actively implemented these quotas, resulting in increased representation of women in parliament, including high-ranking positions such as the presidency.
Uganda’s reserved seats for women in parliament have similarly fostered substantial representation, allowing women to occupy influential roles in political spheres, despite ongoing challenges.
In contrast, the situation in Kenya highlights the difficulties associated with implementing gender equality measures. The introduction of a two-thirds gender rule in the 2010 constitution aimed to bolster women’s representation; however, challenges in full implementation persist, leaving women underrepresented in political offices.
This illustrates that legal frameworks, while essential, are not sufficient on their own to dismantle deep-rooted societal barriers to women’s political participation.
Nigeria’s experience further emphasizes the obstacles women face in political engagement. Cultural norms and political violence have constrained women’s participation, despite ongoing efforts to increase their representation.
This situation mirrors the experiences of women in Tunisia, where post-Arab Spring reforms enshrined gender equality in the new constitution. While women have been actively involved in political processes, societal challenges continue to hinder their full participation.
Conclusion
Women’s participation in African politics has come a long way since the colonial era, but there is still much work to be done to achieve gender parity. Each country presents a unique case, with varying degrees of success and ongoing challenges.
Moving forward, a multifaceted approach that combines legislative reform with grassroots advocacy will be essential to ensure that women achieve their rightful place in the political landscape of Africa Continued advocacy for women’s rights, education, and political empowerment is essential for fostering inclusive governance across the continent.
References:
Wangari Maathai. Unbowed: A Memoir. Knopf, 2006
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