Pan-Africanism and Feminism: Possibilities for African Women in the 21st Century

The systemic underrepresentation of women in politics, gendered economic inequality, high rates of maternal mortality, gender-based violence and femicide are some of the manifestations of the structures of power that limit African women. In the face of these limitations that hinder African women, questions arise about what can be done. Therefore, this article interrogates the possibilities that Pan-Africanism and feminism hold for African women in the 21st century. Using a qualitative methodology and a critical analytical framework, this paper argues that these ideologies can serve as an entry point to engage in consciousness raising for African women to foster their increased representation in society. It recommends the embrace of a Pan-African feminist thinking to liberate African women from restrictive structures of power that inhibit them from full self-actualisation and gender equality.