Abstract

The nexus, relationship and trajectory between gender, culture and development in Africa form the thematic thrust of this book; thus this volume derives its focus from culture and other material aspects of society that shape the lives and relationships of women and men in Africa. Since gender ideologies and legacies are culture specific, and culture bestows distinct identify on a people, this book seeks to interrogate how gender and culture engage within the African society to impact social redistribution of resources and power.

   In order to achieve the goal of interrogating ways in which gender, culture and development in the African context reinforce, shape and reshape one another, and how intervening variables within politics and the larger society have implications for development outcomes, the book is divided into four major parts, comprising fifty chapters. Each section and chapter demonstrates specificities of ideas and knowledge’s as well as intersections of intellectual discourses and dialogues about the tripartite thematic focus. Part one presents convergences and dichotomies of gendered representations in African literary and media spaces as the authors posit African literature and the media as major sites of power representations. How language(s) operate in gendered discourses and the use of languages as tools and weapon of culture and power relations are examined in part two of the book, while part three explores issues relating to education, health and empowerment in Africa. The final part, gender, political participation and governance confronts and challenges prevailing standards and archetypes of the enactment of power and governance as the plethora of chapters critique, evaluate and engage the political success and failures, particularly of females in the political administration and public spaces in Africa.

   A product of select scholarly debates from the first international conference convened by the gender and African studies group, Babcock University in October 2016, the volume comprises fresh voices, critical discourses and dynamic debates on gender, culture and development in Africa as the perspectives merge and diverge and views meet and dissent. Ultimately, the reader is presented with a carefully prepared smorgasbord of stories and analyses on African women and men in their varied cultural, political, economic and social texts.

   The book, as a significant addition to existing studies on gender in Africa, clinches a niche with its distinct focus on the nexus between the three constructs: gender, culture and development. Indeed the contributors from different scholarly disciplines present variegated critical positions on issues of gender, influence of culture and impact on political, social and economic development in Africa. The multidisciplinary approach transverses literature, political science, education, health, language(s), religion, history and psychology among other disciplines

   We appreciate the contributing authors in this volume for entrusting us with their ideas and connecting with us to advocate for gender equality and equity: a state where all human beings, both men and women are free to develop their personal abilities and make choices without the limitations of stereotypes, rigid gender roles or prejudices.