Chihera in Zimbabwe: A Radical African Feminist Principle

Zimbabwean social media is filled with images of Chihera, a fiercely independent, assertive, free-spirited, and no-nonsense woman who is a symbol of gender justice in Zimbabwe and Africa. This volume explores how this radical indigenous feminist ethic can animate the quest for women's full liberation from patriarchy and oppressive forces. It also discusses how the Chihera phenomenon can be utilized for gender justice in Zimbabwe and beyond.

Format: Hardback
Length: 355 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

Zimbabwean social media has been flooded with captivating images of a remarkable woman character, spirit, or concept known as Chihera. Traditionally, a woman belonging to the Mhofu (Eland) lineage or totem is recognized as Chihera. In the rich tapestry of the Shona (a Zimbabwean ethnic group), Chihera embodies a fiercely independent, assertive, free-spirited, and no-nonsense woman. This captivating volume aims to delve deeper into the enigmatic phenomenon of Chihera within the broader context of the pursuit of gender justice in Zimbabwe and Africa. The authors engage in thoughtful reflections on how this radical indigenous feminist ethic circulating on social media can ignite the quest for the full liberation of Zimbabwean and African women from patriarchy and all oppressive forces. They grapple with the challenge of developing culturally sensitive theories and approaches to galvanize the struggle for the liberation of African women in post-colonial contexts.

Secondly, the volume explores the Chihera mystique within the realm of practical efforts for women's empowerment. Thirdly, the volume showcases how the Chihera phenomenon holds immense potential for promoting gender justice in Zimbabwe and beyond.

Weight: 616g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031124655
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023