By Ashley Mutiso, Chief of Staff and Impact Manager, Includovate
“To girls and women everywhere, I issue a simple invitation:
My sisters, my daughters, my friends – find your voice.”
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberia.
(Africa’s First Woman President).
In this blog, I will explore changing definitions of feminism, the differences between African and Western feminism, personal experiences that shaped me, and why I work for a feminist organisation.
At its core, feminism challenges systemic oppression and advocates for gender equality. It aims to dismantle the patriarchal structures, biases and stereotypes that limit the rights and opportunities of women. Feminism recognises the importance of empowering women to achieve their full potential and emphasises the need for inclusive societies.
African feminism is deeply rooted in the continent’s cultural and historical context. It embraces intersectionality, recognising that gender equality cannot be achieved without addressing other forms of oppression, such as racism, colonialism, and socioeconomic disparities. African feminists strive to dismantle both Western and traditional patriarchal systems, while also celebrating African heritage and promoting indigenous knowledge.
While Western feminism has made significant strides in advocating for women’s rights, it often fails to acknowledge the unique experiences and challenges faced by African women. Western feminism tends to prioritise individualism and often overlooks the communal aspect that is central to many African cultures. African feminism recognises the importance of collective struggles and the interconnectedness of societal issues.
Growing up in Kenya, I saw the fruits of feminism everywhere in my community. I saw powerful female politicians on our screens. Our Member of Parliament then was a woman, and she was also the first female Cabinet Minister in Kenya. It was a bonus that she was friends with my grandmother and often visited our homestead in the village. My grandmother was influential in her own way, and though uneducated she commanded widespread respect, was frequently consulted for advice, and inspired me without even having a grasp of the English language. My mother and aunties have also been guiding lights, and their determination to ensure their daughters got the same opportunities as their sons, helped us girls believe in our own abilities and succeed in our education.
Feminism though has often left a bad taste in the mouths of people here in Kenya, and is often considered a radical ideal. There’s widespread conditioning that feminism and femininity cannot co-exist, or that feminism seeks to erase men from society. But feminism doesn’t want to take from men; it is an ideal that just wants to ensure that women have equal opportunities and can a sit at the same table when it comes to work and decision-making.
Personal experiences shape our understandings and journeys as feminists. Yes, radical feminism exists, but radicalism appears in every movement including religious ones – that doesn’t mean we should throw away the baby with the bath water. We can embrace more nuanced versions of feminism that allow us to gently challenge gender norms and expectations without setting fire to our societies. Kenyan women often navigate complex spaces, especially if they shine professionally, and may be constantly weighing feminist beliefs, professional ambition, the desire to be feminine, and cultural/religious expectations to seek their happy balance.
On a personal level, working for a feminist organisation, such as Includovate, provides me with a powerful platform to advocate for gender equality and drive social change. It’s brought me into a supportive community that amplifies women’s voices and challenges discriminatory research practices. It enables me to collaborate with like-minded individuals to design and implement research initiatives that empower women and advance their rights. And it allows me to be part of a team at the forefront of change, making meaningful improvements to women’s lives, not just in Kenya, but across the globe.
I hope that by sharing my personal reflections I have shed light on the lived realities of being a feminist in Kenya, fostered empathy, and inspired others to join the movement. African feminism is dynamic and multidimensional; it embraces the rich cultural heritage of Africa while fighting for gender equality and social justice. Together, we can continue to challenge norms, break barriers, and shape a future where all individuals can thrive regardless of their gender.
“If the history of Africa was written by Africans and by women, I think we would find many unsung heroes.”
President Sahle-Work Zewde (First woman president of Ethiopia).
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What are your experiences of being a feminist in Africa? Are things changing in your community? Do you find yourself assuming different roles at work and at home? How do you balance your feminism with community expectations and norms? Please drop us a message – we’d love to hear from you.