African feminisms and feminist political theory: conceptual and epistemological encounters

Abstract  African women’s specific needs and their insertion and involvement with politics raise the following question: what are the potential intersections between African feminism and feminist political theories? In this paper, we argue that an African feminist political theory must engage in a critical dialogue with its Western counterparts, whilst incorporating local experiences. We point to analytical categories of feminist political theories and standpoint epistemologies in order to set the ground for the dialogue between African feminisms and political theory. We contend that potential intersections lie in African women’s standpoint and its various intersectionalities, and gender justice as a theoretical and normative articulation of their particular demands.

Keywords: African feminisms; African women; feminist political theory; intersectionality; gender justice