"Some Notes on African Feminism"
by Carole Boyce Davies
Some Notes on Davies' Notes
Davies gives an overview of the state of African feminism. The biggest take-away from this chapter is that African feminist thought cannot be taken in isolation, but rather as a part of a larger system of oppression. I think that this is true of feminism in all parts of the world, but it is much more pronounced in Africa due to the recent colonialism. I really like the idea of self-reliance as a response to oppression and the critique of "assuming a nature over culture posture for African women [which] denies her participation in the shaping of human culture and renders her an inert, unintelligent 'vessel,' not a creative person in her own right" (561). This reminds me again of Jane in Zoe Wicomb's stories. It would be interesting to read her through this feminist lens. I think that it's fascinating how the female characters in the texts we've been reading really stand apart in a surprising way.
To keep in mind:
Ogundipe-Leslie on African Women's "Mountains on the Back" (562):
1) oppression from outside
2) heritage of tradition
3) her own backwardness
4) her men
5) her race
6) her self
To keep in mind:
Davies' Summary of African Feminism (563-4):
1) Recognises a common struggle and does not antagonise African men.
2) Certain inequities existed in traditional societies. Colonialism secured some and introduced others.
3) Must address problems in society historically.
4) Does not simply import Western women's agendas, but examines how African institutions are of value or detriment to women.
5) African woman's self-reliance and liking of cooperative work and social organisation.
6) Look objectively at women's situation in a post-liberation, postwar, and social reconstruction.
7) Traditional and contemporary avenues of choice for women.
Comparing the Ogundipe article we read for today with the Davies article raises many issues of inclusiveness and essentialisation which really underlines the intersectionality of feminist issues.