Women’s Studies

In this chapter, I explore the conceptualization of Africa in Women’s Studies as an academic discipline, with the aim of developing an understanding about Africa’s representation in the field. There is generally a wealth of knowledge about Women’s Studies as an academic field in institutions of higher education in the Western world; however, this knowledge as it pertains to Africa is scanty. It is therefore critical to gather knowledge about Africa within this field as such knowledge may contribute to well-informed policies and decisions that are pertinent to the advancement of women in the continent. Accordingly, the key question explored in this chapter is as follows: How is Africa positioned in the discipline of Women’s Studies? In answering the question, I argue that it is not how others position Africa but how African institutions of higher education position the continent in this discipline that matters the most. To explore this answer, I employ a descriptive research approach as an instrument to gain knowledge that can provide descriptions of Women’s Studies generally as a discipline and specifically in the context of Africa.