“She who would be king”: identity, dignity and women’s narrative

Abstract

The feminist movement is often described as a political movement that advocates radical social change. Consistent with this description, this issue of Agenda is intended to tap into those "hidden sources of power from where true knowledge and therefore, lasting action comes" (Lorde, 1984:37). Our aim is to eradicate those spaces that stifle and suppress women. As portrayed in the title, there is no reason why women cannot be "kings" (Needham and Aidoo, 1995). We wish to tell the stories of prolific women throughout Africa, both those in the limelight and those working diligently in the background locating the contribution of women within collective movements for social justice in their respective spheres. The purpose is to credit women as innovators, pioneers and history makers with agency, autonomy and determination. Accordingly, the narratives of these phenomenal women are addressed though the following main themes: oppression and suppression of women activists; feminism; sexual minorities; and women's participation in government and governance structures.