According to the seminal African-American writer bell hooks (her name is not capitalized), feminism is for everybody.
Yet sometimes this simplest of ideas – that social change and gender justice benefit us all – can seem outrageous. What, after all, does feminism have to do with men, and why should men get involved in the fight for gender equality?
This is a question I often face from both male and female students during lectures at Wits University in Johannesburg, where I work. Feminism, some students insist, is a western-colonial plot designed to undermine ‘traditional’ African society. Some recycle 1970s clichés about bitter man-haters who turn to feminism because they can’t get sex. Others insist that women should stay in the kitchen and bedroom where they belong. Pleasingly, these are claims I rarely have to respond to as they are swiftly countered by other students.
Esta historia es de la edición August-September 2017 de Forbes Woman Africa.
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Esta historia es de la edición August-September 2017 de Forbes Woman Africa.
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Well-Grounded
Coco Cachalia, whose mother Amina was among the 20,000 in the Women’s March of August 1956, made a decision to stay away from politics – and succeed in business instead.
Art Becomes Her
A celebrated international fine artist, Mmakgabo Helen Sebidi overcame the struggles of apartheid, and her work is grounded in her past.
'Not Just Pro-Women But Pro-Progress'
South Africa’s Minister of Women Susan Shabangu on the significance of the 61st anniversary of Women’s Day, and the role men can play in ending gender violence in South Africa and creating an equal society.
Diversity And Inclusion Are Part Of Baker Mckenzie's DNA
According to Law360’s 2017 Glass Ceiling Report, women make up around one-third of the attorneys in private legal practice. Among the law firms surveyed, just below 23% of partners are female.
We, Men For Women
South Africa still has a long way to go for gender justice in business and in life, but with more men openly stepping forward to be a part of the discourse, FORBES WOMAN AFRICA speaks to two male entrepreneurs, a CEO and a social activist. They acknowledge diversity makes smart social and economic sense that will benefit all.
What, After All, Does Feminism Have To Do With Men?
According to the seminal African-American writer bell hooks (her name is not capitalized), feminism is for everybody.
Blood, Setbacks And Tears
Two sisters with common failures and a dream to eventually succeed.
Fighting To The End
In May, 82 more Chibok girls were released in exchange for Boko Haram prisoners. Oby Ezekwesili, a strong advocate in the campaign to bring them back, has vowed to never stop fighting.
Not Just Hard Work, But Heart Work
As incidents of gender-based violence increase in Africa, those like Nigeria’s Kemi Dasilva-Ibru, are trying to bring relief to stigmatized victims.
Going Down The Spice Route
Essie Bartels worked several odd jobs she hated before opening a company selling mouth-watering spices and sentiments to the world.
