When you examine the historical landscape of pre-colonial Africa, the narratives that emerge are different from those that often underestimate the agency and influence wielded by women in these diverse societies. This chapter seeks to illuminate the contributions of African women within the socio-economic, cultural, spiritual, and political spheres, drawing from a range of historical examples.
In numerous pre-colonial African societies, women were integral to agricultural practices, serving as skilled cultivators and ensuring the sustenance of their communities. Among the Igbo people in present-day Nigeria, women were esteemed as the primary agriculturalists, cultivating yams and other staple crops. Their expertise supported the community's nutritional needs and positioned them as economic contributors.
Similarly, women engaged in vibrant trade networks in the ancient Mali Empire. The Ghana Empire, known for its gold trade, saw women actively participating in market activities, showcasing their roles as economic agents with considerable influence.
African women were the custodians of cultural heritage, playing pivotal roles in the transmission of traditions. Among the Akan people of present-day Ghana, the Ashanti Queen Mothers held significant influence as spiritual leaders and cultural custodians. They were instrumental in preserving and passing down the rich oral history, folklore, and artistic expressions that defined their communities.
In East Africa, the Swahili coast witnessed women's artistic prowess in crafting intricate beadwork and pottery. These creations served not only as utilitarian items but also as vessels carrying cultural narratives and symbols.
Spiritually, pre-colonial Africa was not gender-exclusive. Women in various regions assumed roles as priestesses and ritual practitioners. Among the Yoruba people of Nigeria, the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove stands as a testament to the veneration of Osun, a river goddess. The chief priestess, known as the Arugba, played a crucial role in leading annual rituals, exemplifying the spiritual authority held by women.
In the Kingdom of Kush, situated in present-day Sudan, the god Amun was honored through priestesses who held influential positions, underscoring the recognition of women as conduits to the divine.
Contrary to the prevailing stereotype of patrilineal inheritance, numerous African societies followed matrilineal kinship systems. Among the Akan people, the Ashanti in particular, lineage and inheritance passed through the maternal line. This matrilineal structure empowered women as the transmitters of familial legacies and ensured the intergenerational continuity of cultural values.
While historical records often emphasize male leadership, many pre-colonial African societies recognized the political agency of women. Among the Bamileke of Cameroon, the "Kwifon," or Queen Mothers, held advisory roles and exerted political influence. Their counsel was highly esteemed, contributing to the stability and prosperity of the kingdom.
In ancient Egypt, notable figures such as Queen Tiye and Queen Nefertiti played active roles in diplomatic affairs and governance, demonstrating that political influence was not solely the domain of men.
The historical narratives of African women in pre-colonial societies testify to the fact that their roles were dynamic, multifaceted, and instrumental in shaping African civilizations. African women were not merely passive participants but architects of enduring legacies that have resonated through time.
The narrative of feminism, often misconstrued as a concept imported from the West, has its roots deeply embedded in the pre-colonial African societies. Feminist ideals were not alien to the continent. Rather, they were deeply ingrained in the fabric of diverse cultures, challenging gender norms and fostering societies where the contributions of women were acknowledged, celebrated, and integral to the collective flourishing of communities. In reclaiming these narratives, we recenter African feminism as an intrinsic aspect of the continent's history—a legacy to be embraced, understood, and woven into the ongoing discourse on gender equity and empowerment.