Women's Activism in Africa

Throughout Africa, growing numbers of women are coming together and making their voices heard, mobilising around causes ranging from democracy and land rights to campaigns against domestic violence. In countries such as Senegal and Tunisia, women have made major gains in their struggle for equal rights, and in Liberia and South Sudan women have been at the forefront of efforts to promote peace and reconciliation. While some of these movements have been influenced by international feminism and external donors, African women themselves are also increasingly shaping the global struggle for women's rights, particularly in areas such as political representation and peace-building. Written by African authors who are themselves are part of the activist groups, this collection represents the only comprehensive and up-to-date overview of women's movements in contemporary Africa. Drawing on case studies and fresh empirical material from across the continent, the authors challenge the prevailing assumption that notions of women's rights have trickled down from the global north to the south, showing instead that these movements have above all been shaped by the unique experiences and concerns of the local women involved.

1. African Influences on Global Women's Rights: An Overview - Balghis Badri and Aili Tripp 2. The Evolution of the Women's Movement in Sierra Leone - Nana Claris Efua Pratt 3. Market Women's Associations in Ghana - Akua O. Britwum and Angela D. Akorsu 4. Tunisian Women's Literature of Denunciation - Lilia Labidi 5. The Moroccan Feminist Movement (1946-2014) - Fatima Sadiqi 6. Women's Rights and the Women's Movement in Sudan (1952-2014) - Samia El-Nagar and Liv Tønnessen 7. The Women's Movement in Tanzania - Aili Tripp 8. The Women's Movement in Kenya - Regina G. Mwatha 9. Women Organising for Liberation: South Africa in the Transition from Apartheid to Democracy - Sheila Meintjes