for working mother which defines their domestic responsibilities and exclude them from productive labour . The feminists who prescribe to this type of feminism are opposed to the women ’ s liberation movement ’ s emphasis on achieving goals relevant only to middle class women .
Radical feminism see itself as revolutionary . It argues that women ’ s emancipation is not enough and that women are still oppressed and exploited . The only way to free them is by opposing patriarchy and marriage . There is also rethinking of the language which expresses male dominated values . In this respect , activities of radical feminists have resulted to gender neutral language ( examples includes salutations on letters like dear Sir / Madam instead of just dear Sir ).
Cultural feminism believe that women have been separated from each other and convinced of their inferiority .
Ecofeminism encompasses a variety of feminists perspective reflecting different understandings of the nature of and solutions to current environmental problems . To echo feminists , the destruction of the natural environment is politically analogous to the continued domination of women . They also hold divergent opinions regarding technological advances , with some ecofeminists seeing it as a tool of patriarchal oppression while others see it as offering possibilities for women , since it liberates them from their traditional roles as domestic workers .
Black Women Experience Of Feminism
Although the initial wave of feminism professed to address the women ’ s need and concerns , it largely left out the woman of colour and it was not until the second wave of feminism that the black women ’ s concerns were addressed . In USA , it was only until late 20th Century that black women attempted to theorise the meaning of black feminism . The mainstream feminist movements were seen to serve middle class and educated white women . Thus , the black feminist set itself apart from them . To a black feminist , there was an inseparability of race and gender .
The early advocates of black feminisms included Sojourner Truth who was an American abolitionist who agitated for black women ’ s rights . There was also Harriet Tubman who was a strong
“
Feminism is not about women fighting men or trying to outdo men . Feminism is about equality and ensuring that the world discards oppressive practices which had in the past led to women not unleashing their full potential .
supporter of women ’ s suffrage . Because she was also interested in eradication of racial oppression , she only addressed the issues of gender when addressing the plight of a black woman .
Feminism And The African Woman
African feminism specifically addresses the condition that the black woman in Africa lives in . It should however be noted that Africa is not a monolithic continent . As such , African feminism does not reflect on all the experiences that the African woman have , with each region having its own specific experiences . The perceived commonality among African women in various regions of Africa notwithstanding , it has been noted that there is a huge variation in the way they understand gender and gender struggles . African feminism in some instances has been seen to be aligned to black feminism existing in the western world , while in some cases it is in clear conflict with the movement in the western world , hence shunned by the local women .
Having said that , African feminism strives to create a new , liberal , productive and self-reliant African woman within the heterogeneous cultures of Africa . Feminisms in Africa , ultimately , aims at modifying culture as it affects women in different societies . The commonality which is agreed on is the struggle against male dominance . The African woman has woken to many options that she has and she is hence using them to realise her dream of achieving gender equality . The increased use of social media has also contributed largely to the rise of African feminism .
Achievements Of Feminism
There are notable achievements that have been seen worldwide in the quest for gender equality . Feminism has opened up many opportunities to women who otherwise would have been condemned to being subordinates to men , with their activities limited to reproduction and domestic work .
Many women have achieved high professional levels , leading to various developments and innovations in the world . Women have also taken up leadership positions which include political leadership .
In Kenya , the Constitution of Kenya 2010 has several articles meant for ensuring that there is equality between the genders and that the marginalised people , including women have their affairs taken care of .
We have seen the first female chief justice being appointed this year , thanks to the efforts to ensure women unleash their full potential . We have also seen one of the leading political parties choosing a woman as the running mate in the forthcoming General election and in event that the party wins in the elections , Kenya will have its first woman occupy the second most powerful seat in the country . Do you know that the first African woman to win a Nobel price was non other than Prof . Wangari Maathai ?
In conclusion , feminism is not about women fighting men or trying to outdo men . Feminism is about equality and ensuring that the world discards oppressive practices which had in the past led to women not unleashing their full potential .
Feminism should not be taken negatively but should be taken positively . As a father of girls , one will be proud to see his daughters reach the most achievable levels in the society .
Dr . Johansen Oduor , MBChB ( UoN ), MMed Path ( UoN ), LLB Hons ( UoN ), Dip for Med ( College of Medicine South Africa ), is a Forensic Pathologis / Medicolegal Specialist and President Emeritus , African Society Forensic Medicine . You can commune with him via mail at : Johansenoduor @ gmail . com .