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Summary
We present 10 must-read African feminist books that delve into themes of gender inequality, patriarchy, and women's struggles. These woman-centered stories offer valuable insights into African feminism, providing readers with a deeper understanding of societal challenges faced by women.
Dearest gentle reader, we present to you a list of 10 must-read african feminist books, designed to both entertain and educate. African feminism is a worldview deeply rooted in the realities that African women face within a society shaped by gender prejudice.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve celebrated feminist movies and series for screen addicts, but today we turn our attention to those who cherish the written word, our dear booklovers. These 10 African feminist books are woman-led and women-oriented, offering a profound look at the struggles of African women, the harshness of patriarchy, the persistence of misogyny, and the drive for justice.
Grab a book today and expand your knowledge of African feminism, its complexities, and the power of women’s voices.
- We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
We Should All Be Feminists was first presented as a TED talk given in the United Kingdom at TEDxEuston, in 2012. The book is a succinct and compelling essay exploring what feminism means in the 21st century and advocating for equality. It includes anecdotes and analyses about what it means to be a feminist. Chimamanda argues that “feminist” isn’t an insult, but rather a label that should be embraced by all and offers readers a unique definition of feminism for the twenty-first century, one rooted in inclusion and awareness.
- Dust
Set against the backdrop of Kenyan history, this novel written by Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor intricately weaves themes of gender, loss, and identity through the story of a grieving family. It features strong, complex female characters, such as Ajany Oganda, who navigate personal grief and societal challenges. It is an epic tale, covering vast distances, charting wide journeys both in the physical and mental spaces
- Feminism is for Everybody
Though Bell hooks is an African-American writer, her work resonates across the African continent. This accessible guide to feminism challenges societal norms and empowers women to embrace feminist ideals as tools for liberation.
- Feminism Is
Feminism Is is a book written by Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah which is an anthology of African feminist voices discussing diverse topics such as love, sexuality, politics, and equality. The book engages with the diverse ways in which African women experience and express feminism, moving beyond Western ideals of feminism and highlighting how African women navigate societal norms, expectations, and constraints.
- The Thing Around Your Neck
The Thing Around Your Neck is a collection of short stories that often touch on themes of gender inequality, cultural expectations, and women’s autonomy. It centers on the experiences and struggles of women, particularly those navigating complex identities and societal expectations in both African and diaspora contexts. Chimamanda’s storytelling highlights the challenges women face, from issues of love and relationships to questions of independence, sexuality, and empowerment.
- Dear Ijeawele, or A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions
This book is a non-fiction book by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, in which she offers advice on how to raise a feminist daughter. Written as a letter to a friend who asked for guidance on how to raise her child to be a feminist, the book consists of fifteen practical and thought-provoking suggestions for parents, educators, and anyone invested in gender equality. A practical guide on how to raise a feminist child, written as a letter to a friend. It provides actionable insights into instilling feminist values in everyday life.
- Sister Outsider
This book is a collection of essays and speeches by the iconic Audre Lorde who is a poet, essayist, and activist, widely regarded as a feminist and civil rights activist. A collection of essays and speeches by the African-American feminist writer, addressing intersectionality, racism, and women’s rights. Lorde’s work challenges traditional feminist movements to be more inclusive, advocating for the recognition of differences among women, particularly those related to race, class, and sexual orientation.
- Purple Hibiscus
This coming-of-age story by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie critiques patriarchy and addresses the silencing of women’s voices in a traditional Nigerian family setting. The novel highlights the oppressive nature of the male-dominated family structure, with Kambili’s father, Eugene, serving as a central figure of patriarchal authority. Through the experiences of Kambili and her mother, Beatrice, the book addresses themes of domestic violence, subjugation, and the ways in which women endure and resist patriarchal control.
- Under the Udala Trees
This story written by Chinelo Okparanta explores queer identity, love, and the intersections of religion and tradition in Nigeria. The book challenges the limitations imposed on women, both in terms of their romantic autonomy and their ability to express their sexuality freely. It advocates for love, freedom, and self-determination, while giving voice to a marginalised group within the context of Nigerian society.
- The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives
The novel was written by Lola Shoneyin and stands out for its exploration of gender, power dynamics, and the complexities of women’s experiences in a patriarchal society. It questions the norms around marriage, sexuality, and the roles of women in African society. Through each wife’s perspective, Lola Shoneyin examines how patriarchal structures affect women differently, shedding light on themes such as control, oppression, and resilience.
