Join the Department of Gender Studies, Memorial University for the second in a series of public job talks. With Ruth Murambadoro.

Abstract: Advocacy work of Western feminists has often focused on elite women’s rights, inadvertently reinforcing disparities among women and marginalized individuals based on race, class, and sexuality. African feminist scholars such as Tamale (2020) and Oyewumi (1997) highlight the persistent shortcomings of Western feminist work in Africa, exposing how they normalize systemic marginalization and exclusion of African women. Drawing on the life stories of 14 women activists in Zimbabwe, this paper offers alternative perspectives on African feminism, challenging Western gender norms and feminist practice. African feminism recognizes gender and sexuality fluidity, and advocates for a society grounded in shared humanity. Embracing the principle of “Munhu vanhu” (a person is people) enshrined in Ubuntu African philosophy, African feminism re-affirms the interconnectedness of humanity, transcending gender-based distinctions. The term “unfinished revolution” thus symbolizes ongoing efforts by Zimbabwean women’s movements to build a more egalitarian society rooted in Ubuntu principles. Completing this revolution requires overcoming many challenges and embracing Ubuntu to catalyze societal transformation and foster inclusivity.