The Women liberation question
Man possesses the inherent capacity to bring about peace amidst chaos, alter the course of life, and introduce industries and inventions that uplift humanity. When guided by the right ideologies and motives, one can envision a better future. However, despite possessing these abilities, man seems to have engendered more chaos, domination, and wars. Throughout history, mankind has been marred by conflicts and wars, prompting numerous discussions to decipher their causes. Today, our civilization has reached extraordinary heights in terms of technological advancements and quality of life, surpassing the imagination of our ancestors. Yet, in comparison, we still have a long way to go.
Over time, we have created chaos in our social constructs, leading to lives filled with inequality and suffering. Our history is marked by instances of white supremacy, male dominance, and religious wars that have overshadowed our social progress. In this section, as promised, I will address the issue of women’s problems in our society.
In a society driven by a thirst for domination, we witness oppression of the black by g, and only by breaking free from this mindset can we recognize the inherent power within women. A revolution that excludes women is destined to fail; revolutions often falter not due to their numbers or symbols but due to ideological deficiencies. If we aim for change, we must ensure inclusivity, or else we risk inevitable failure. Women’s liberation is a matter of necessity, and we must engage in robust debates and review our laws and statutes. It is evident that our laws have remained largely silent and impartial when it comes to addressing the challenges faced by women. Neutrality, whether in the legal arena or within governments, is dangerous. It was neutrality that allowed the lynching of hundreds of black people in the southern states of America. It is the silence of friends, not the insults of enemies, that jeopardizes our agenda. I am acutely aware of the existence of inequality, domination, and gender-based prejudices.
The perception of women as inherently different, more caring, and such, is a convoluted admission of sexism. A similar narrative has been experienced in the fight against racism. Racism, sexism, and similar biases are deeply rooted in our psyche, often more so than we are willing to acknowledge. Only when we adopt a mindset where the same standards apply to both genders can we achieve a semblance of peace and tranquillity in this struggle. Behaviours should be judged objectively, irrespective of the individual’s gender. Society has often accepted that men, based on chauvinistic principles, can indulge in sexual fantasies with multiple women, while the same practice is condemned for women. Adultery has thus become a tool for women to retaliate against this oppression, a defence mechanism against domestic enslavement. Society, in its patriarchal and chauvinistic settings, frequently condemns women while disregarding the fact that engagement requires the participation of both parties.
The black woman, in some ways, is not free from feelings of inferiority associated with her own skin colour. In certain instances, educated black women perceive success to be synonymous with whiteness. There are those who believe that being with a white person signifies achieving their standards, while for men, it signifies domination. I may not be the most qualified person to discuss concepts of love, but with assistance from Frantz Fanon, I will delve into this topic. Oppressed at home and denied opportunities to explore their abilities, African women see whiteness as a refuge and a chance for advancement. The education they receive often portrays Africa as lacking a substantial history, as uncivilized and barbaric, thus attributing no contributions to scientific inventions, governance, and other aspects of progress. They belittle their people, their language, and ultimately themselves. In their eyes, all black individuals are deemed incapable of achieving anything, leading them to avoid any association with blackness. “Don’t you see how these Africans dress? Don’t you hear them talk? Sometimes you can easily see they come from poverty and wars. I detest their language,” they confess. However, they mistakenly believe they are empowered and superior when they are psychologically defeated. They find themselves in a world dominated by whiteness, continuously moving from one relationship to another, unable to find love. To our educated girls abroad and in Africa, embrace your language. No language is inherently more powerful than another, so be wary of anyone who suggests otherwise. When someone mocks your language and culture, it is an attempt to subjugate you. True freedom requires the opportunity to advance your language, culture, and traditions. You, beautiful black woman, are not limited by your skin colour but embody the truth spoken by Frantz Fanon: a drop of sun beneath the earth. And your language empowers you. Language is not a mere sequence of words; it possesses a suggestive power that extends beyond its immediate and lexical meaning.
Furthermore, we must contemplate the political climate for women. Due to cultural influences, we have created a hostile environment for women in elected politics. Democracy, in its essence, represents a rule by the people, for the people, and of the people. This implies that all individuals should have equal opportunities, regardless of gender, race, or sexual orientation. However, our female politicians are often portrayed as promiscuous, intolerable, and aggressive, with some even suggesting they are “unwomanly.” Such statements underscore the deep-seated sexism ingrained in our society. Personalities, rather than ideological politics, have become the primary focus, leading to wars and failed governments on our continent. Moving away from patriarchal thinking is a long and arduous journey that must be embarked upon. Despite numerous attempts, our efforts have fallen short. In the Kenyan constitution, for instance, forty-seven positions are specifically allocated to women. However, since its implementation, this affirmative action has not yielded the desired outcomes.
When discussing such issues, criticism often arises, with many urging us to slow down. Not long ago, we were accused of being dormant and quiet. Recently, a friend, Wangui Muriu, raised concerns about the composition of the judiciary, particularly regarding the appointment of female justices. Initially, in defence of my ego, I swiftly responded to her question. However, upon further reflection, I recognized the crisis at hand: patriarchy. Despite the vast knowledge and expertise possessed by female jurists, they still find themselves in a constant battle, confronted by gender-related biases. Women have historically been penalized for their thirst for education and knowledge, symbolized by the biblical punishment of Eve for her pursuit of knowledge. Some may question the need to engage in such discussions, but we must remember that injustice anywhere threatens justice everywhere. Allow me to quote from an old poem: “First they came for my neighbour, and I cheered because it was not me. Then they came for my brother, and I did not protest because I enjoyed his space. One day, they came for me, and there was nobody there to help.”
This struggle is not about a competition for power, but rather a plea for unity and the pursuit of opportunities based on merit. We are in an era of meritocracy and egalitarian politics. We face pressing challenges that do not discriminate based on gender or race, and divisions among us cannot be accepted. The rising demands for a skilled workforce care little about our battles of gender or race. We stand on the brink of collapse, and it is imperative that we join forces.
Finally, we must avoid falling into the trap of doublespeak. There is a profound reason why many people are sceptical of those who claim to fight for change. In the 1800s, women of all races united with black individuals in the fight for suffrage. They shared a common problem: disenfranchisement. Looking back, figures like Frederick Douglass joined forces with many white women in this struggle. Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton were regarded as advocates for equality and equal opportunities in the democratic and political spheres, but their stance was challenged by the 14th and 15th Amendments. They considered black men to be more despotic than their white counterparts. It was easier for them to accept white male authority than to live in a society where black men had the right to vote. These associations would later embrace white supremacy and contribute to the disfranchisement of black people in the Southern states, revealing their true nature. The fight for equality and liberty must persist regardless of any arbitrary distinctions. We must face this truth, whether it paints a favourable or unfavourable picture, as it is our story. Ostentatious leaders who took over governments from colonial imperialists often presented themselves as pro-African, but they were more exploitative than liberating. These so-called Pan-Africanists established dictatorial regimes that stifled democracy, human rights, and constitutionalism. I will explore this topic further in a separate article.
We have witnessed women rise above prejudices, such as Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai, freedom fighters like Mukami Kimathi and Winnie Mandela. Africa implores you to remember the contributions of Tsitsi Dangarembga, Mariama Ba, President Ellen Johnson, Joyce Banda, Chimamanda Ngozi, and many others.
On a lighter note, I am glad to be writing this on Mother’s Day, May 14th, 2023.
Women of Africa, in the words of Sojourner Truth, “Aren’t you a woman?”
May God bless Africa!
