Naming and Narrating

Practices of naming and telling stories are critical for self-realisation. Naming traditions have contributed to the objectification of women through both patriarchal and colonial structures. This chapter develops arguments in feminist theology which highlight the importance of women telling their own stories and naming themselves for the purpose of self-realisation. Keeping Simone de Beauvoir’s encouragements regarding reciprocity in relationship in mind, storytelling is offered here as a way of pursuing self-realisation in community without undermining the subjectivity of the self. Postcolonial theory and the voices of women of colour are highlighted here to elucidate the significance of telling one’s own story as a remedy for objectification.