African women writers

Abstract

This chapter highlights the creative endeavors of African women writers and their presence on the literary scene from the early twentieth century to the present. Identifying three "waves" of African women's writings, this chapter examines the various themes and narrative patterns in African women's writings that emerged within specific historical periods. It shows that African women writers (re)present female characters and feminist themes, which differ from the preoccupations in the works of their male counterparts. Women writers illuminate entrenched gender-specific ideologies that limit women's agency and empowerment. African women's writings become instruments for social and cultural change. Therefore, this chapter showcases African women writers' rich contribution to the African literary canon.