Zed Books Women's Activism in Africa: Struggles for Rights and Representation

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 womens 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 womens 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 womens 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. Review ‘This compact volume on women’s activism, by many of the most outstanding scholars in the field, is among the best and most useful I have seen. The editors, bolstered by excellent contributions, turn conventional wisdom about African women on its head.’Sondra Hale, UCLA (Emerita)‘This book is distinctive for its critical analysis on issues around African women’s movements and mobilisations. The contributors represent scholarship and activism from diverse regions, and their work broadens our understanding of current African feminist discourses.’Josephine Beoku-Betts, Florida Atlantic University‘Coming from African scholars, this captivating book makes a much needed contribution to the current literature. Not only does it provide new perspectives and insights, but it also highlights the diversity of activism across the continent. This is a must read.’Kathleen Fallon, Stony Brook University‘Harnesses women’s voices and experiences across Africa to help build a common heritage of protest and activism which is normally left out of histories of the struggles of African states. It is a must read for all those interested in knowing what African women have been doing and continue to do in the African continent.’ Wanjiku Kabira, University of Nairobi, Kenya'Women’s Activism in Africa is an act of epistemological social justice, as it reveals the important, yet overlooked, role that women have been playing on the continental and global stage.'International Feminist Journal of Politics'An enjoyable, informative read, a concise yet richly detailed and timely addition to knowledge on women’s activism in Africa, and a strong foundation for research on young African feminisms … invaluable reading for students and scholars of feminist politics all over the world.'Social Movement Studies'Badri and Tripp have assembled a remarkable collec-tion of essays by impressive, accomplished women that challenges masculinist histories of political change and challenges.'African Studies Review'A valuable and thought-provoking volume. In illuminating less familiar aspects of women’s politics in Africa, [the book] contributes to our wider understanding of the dynamics of (national) women’s movements and of the contemporary global movement for women’s rights.'Commonwealth and Comparative Politics'This is an excellent contribution to the literature on African feminism and international women’s rights agendas … valuable to students and researchers of African politics, development studies, human rights and gender studies, as well as policymakers.'Journal of Modern African Studies'A very inspiring and necessary read at a time when women's voices are regularly muffled.'Strategic Review for Southern Africa'(An) excellent c