Whenever people say that women have been oppressed globally and totally, I tell them that they need to read about African countries and their cultures. Women had esteemed roles in the community. You have queenmothers and other women that lead their nations. People say this because like this lady said, people dont know about African cultures.
True, in my culture the Queen mother is represented by an Elephant and the King by the Lion & are both in the Big 5 but have different strengths and roles in the animal kingdom.
Sheep. The womanist movement is also funded by the west as a first step to feminism in Africa. The wisest way to live life as an African is to avoid any ideologies that do not originally exist in your native African language
There wouldn't be feminism if not for Western feminism. Just look around at the treatment and place of women anywhere in Africa. Speaking about 'empowerment' of African women without feminism is frankly absurd. But then, there's plenty of absurdity about African culture anyway. Enjoy.
@@AA-yc8yrno feminism without western feminism? Well, Einstein do you see any other feminism? When feminism started, would they have gone to Africa and see how women fought for freedom ? Did you hear her saying that African culture only has positives ? Listen before talking and use little bit of brain cells you have
I cannot pick out a single part of this talk that stood out because every single sentence spoken is pure gold. Thank you for this. Incredibly thought provoking
@@elmaa3995That was a phenomenal and splendid ted talk you did ma'am!👏🏾👏🏾 I'm officially a fan🥰. My only wisdom would be to consider championing egalitarianism as opposed to potentially recreating feminism under a new monica/branding of "Womanism". What l have learnt from most identity based movements is that when the movement finally achieves its objectives, it becomes extremely difficult for those who identify their selves(egos) by it to let it go; thus they begin to look for non-existent problems to justify the continued existence of their movement/identity; which consequently ends up undoing the work the movement initially fought for... Egalitarianism imho, would never face that dilemma because it is an eternal pursuit that's not identity centric, whereas Feminism & Womanism are more seasonal and can expire after their objectives are met. That's my two cents on the matter.
@@sneezyfido No, I believe activists need to inspire with our actions, not just our words, and engage in conversations meeting people where they are at rather than just telling people what to think. Ask them what problems they face & empower them to solve those problems rather than telling them what they should do.
@@minngaelwell they don’t do that at all. Damn near all super radical liberal feminists have a melt down the moment you state a fact or say anything they don’t agree with. They can’t have a conversation because when the truth gets told they can’t handle it
@@bibiCism Feminism... has a history of white women bias. The developments in the west over the last decade show feminism doesn't even see what it is anymore, not even able to define and defend womanhood. That does not make for a great ally for African women. Sorry! P.S. From Malcolm X to Steve Biko, the calling out of liberal "let's just be friends, but you do the housework"... this has been called out before. About time African Lives Matter by and for African women.
@@bibiCism if you agree, how do you chose to ignore individuality and communality are mutually exclusive? This is fundamental. Which talk did you listen to? I stand with those who decide logic is the best way to problem solve. Maybe this could be helpful for western feminism... think about it.
@@beverleyreid7572 thank you. I should probably also state while the west became incredibly cynical about its influence on the globe in the 30th Century, and developed the theories of post-colonialism to reign in its attempts to subjugate the other by its universalising tendencies ("let's just be friends - serve me or I exterminate you"), feminism continued this tradition of speaking for and believing in it's ability to speak and make judgement for "the other" it self-elected to represent, without any consultation taking place. This received a reboot with how intersectionality theories (how to overcome white women bias) has spawned into gender and trans ideology. For anyone familiar with African humanism, the western cutting edge trans-humanist moment is a declaration of war on non-Western (m)otherhood. So... it helps to read the fine print, whether one want to be friend or ally... judge them by their actions, not their intentions, however nice they seem.
Thank you for this wonderful talk. Western feminism was invented to solve a western problem. Because of its rigidity, the only way it becomes fit-for-purpose in a non-western context is if we adopt western problems as our own. We need our own style of feminism that solves our problems and supports the growth of our communities.
Totally agree, I am from South Africa and when I was in varsity I took a course called ‘African philosophy’ the label was meant to describe the experiences of African people within the African borders because of our experiences. Western feminism has become the current status quo for all societies and the problem is that how does this affect non western communities?
Learn from western mistakes. You do not need anything based on the idea that all of life is a zero-sum power struggle. It makes people lose themselves in hatred and bitterness.
Perfectly said, and those who would comment that the West is so "far ahead"conveniently forget the advancements they found and dragged back to the western version of the stone ages in order to justify their brutal imperialism.
Exactly. In her culture that’s fine, but don’t push that message onto other cultures. Not all of us want to be some boring house wife and mother. Just stick to your lane and that’s it.
I’m all for Africans sharing our lives experiences instead of told how we should feel by pop culture and this talk embodies that! Congratulations for a thought provoking piece
Well said, Elma! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 Our main frame of reference needs to be African, otherwise we’ll keep trying to solve our problems using foreign experiences that we can’t identify with. Sometimes the lesson we need to learn from other cultures is not to do as they do.
Congratulations for finding the strength to talk about this touchy subject and having the backbone to share your story so personally, and with so much conviction. You're such a rock(star), and upon and through sons and daughters such as yourself are built the new futures we pray and struggle for.
From beauty, presence and intelligence our African sister is nothing shy of a queen, shine my sister and get yours. Thank you for educating us at such a young age
She hit it on the nail. Love. Superb. I have always maintained that feminism is a real challenge to the individuality of the African female. It's not our story and what it seeks to embody is different to how we were raised in an African construct. It is about the individual more than a community or family. The sooner we go back to understanding simple African values and learning enough about what it is African women were fighting for, then we would understand our role in the current day environment. We live to co-exist and we can lead that fight to have family dynamics and values as a foundation. So that when we walk into boardrooms and certain spaces we maintain that inner construct instead of playing to the corporate coldness of gender battles.
“When we walk into the boardrooms” which boardroom do you intend to walk into if traditional gender roles dictate the only rooms you belong is the bedroom, kitchen and laundry?
Hey Takisha! Absolutely, Elma's perspective on Western feminism resonates so much. It's refreshing to hear someone articulate the complexity of African women's experiences in relation to feminism. Her insights challenge the one-size-fits-all approach and emphasize the need for solutions that truly address our unique challenges. She's definitely paving the way for important conversations. 🌍✨
Hearing this, my brain is chanting „Right! Right! Right!“ over and over again. Finally! Someone who spells it out so clearly and so brilliantly! I have lots of respect and love for this woman.
Well, I'm Yoruba from West Africa and I can proudly tell you that women have always been highly regarded in my culture. I'll take feminity over feminism any day any time.
@@skarbuskreska Yes, Yoruba's are not misogynistic. My great grandma was a nurse...and she died at the age of 98 in 1992....she was born in the late 1800's and she was educated, and no males batted an eyelid.
Feminism frowns family or collectivism in support of individualism. It 'clashes' with Ubuntu because ubuntu is 'we'. Thank you for yoyr assertions Elma, you have taught us.
I miss TED talks. It used to give me so much inspiration. I can no longer remember a talk that isn’t a prescription on what I should think about other people and which boxes to put them in
This is so refreshing to listen. Thank you 💜 😊. I've had similar dilemmas with Western feminism in how feminism is propogated in the Caribbean. Our own solutions!!!
@mmasimi,also thank the south african education system that gave her a first class education and made her so eloquent. I actually thought she was a south African native from the accent..... Still she is an African and that is what matters.
@@sarahrobertson634 African women and our society, don't need anything to do with that word lol Let's just figure out what we can do about our various issues. No need to label it
@@traceydumase Well, African women are going to have to figure something out. Because what I hear from the African ladies in my life is that African males are completely out of control. So you can be picky about words if you want, but don't expect Western women to help you if you can't figure it out on your own. But your males need to be put in check, and that's a fact. Good luck to you!
“It’s time we find African solutions to African problems.” 👏🏾👏🏾🙌🏿🙌🏿🔥🔥🔥 We need to continue building the Matriarchal Table based on the principles of Womanism. Thank you Elma - this was profound! One of the best talks I’ve heard on Feminism and you helped me gain clarity on what I was struggling with in terms of the Western Feminism movement. Asé ✨✨✨
Thank you so much Karlyn, its a concept that can't be explained in 15 minutes, its heavily layered and any small statement can be wrongfully analysed, but I'm glad that I could communicate how a lot of us have been feeling about Western Feminism 😊
I’m only six minutes in and have noticed they’re messing with her sound…twice already during very critical points that she’s making. Nonetheless her message is not lost. Very true and very meaningful.
I was called backward because I spoke out about how feminism has become. This made me stop going into spaces that saw me different. I feel I dont fit in. Thank you for having the confidence I wish I had and have to speak out.
She is so accurate about western feminism often marginalising African feminists when it comes to the jargon and theory. There’s no time for jargon and theory when someone is trying to survive many daily dangers like she described. Western feminism can afford to sit in comfort and safety while enjoying conversations about the theory of equality. Thank you Elma for saying what (imo) so many have been feeling for a long time.
Wealth made it possible for western countries to be way ahead of the rest of the world in terms of human rights and freedom for their citizens. It is what it is
@@dp2404wealth from that barren land called Europe? The only true resource from western countries is cabbage and potatoes. You mean stolen imperialist wealth. But hey it is what it is.
Id like to also add that this applies to African American women. I am one. That movement is based on white female needs which have a strong distinction that last to this day.
Have you ever been in a position where someone litteraly takes the words out of your mouth and brain. I couldn't have said/put it any better. She's so outspoken, and her speech is so well put. I'm so happy that more and more african women wake up and distance themselves from what feminism has turned into nowadays
Gotta love it. Thank you madam. You have made my night and gave me hope. Thank you for being my voice, and I am sure, that of many. May your journey and purpose be blessed.
Such a shame the sound quality isnt that high, its a great talk! hope people arent discouraged because of it - if anyone had a better recording, please let me know! Thank you
This is a great thought piece and salient questions raised therein to enable us interrogate the current status quo. Feminism has been weaponised by both sexes, some using it for unfair advantage and others to totally cancel out womanism as highlighted here. We need to return to the drawing board. Thanks Elma for a thought-provoking talk. 🎉🙏🏾
You give great hope Elma. You prove that there are those of our children who have ears and have heard, eyes and have seen. I'm old enough to be your mum and I'm so grateful that young African women like you are there to take the baton. That you have not been subsumed by westernisation, but are forging your own paths and those of us as a people.❤🙏🏾
In a general sense, we should not be quick to view an ideology as having a monopoly on certain behaviors/actions. For instance, you can absolutely love and care about the lives of animals without wanting anything to do with PETA. Likewise, you can advocate for EQUAL/healthier treatment (we know a certain ideology in the west has little to do with equality) for women without wanting anything to do with the ideology that Elma Akob speaks of. For several reasons, many have this belief that if you believe in/advocate for "X," you must automatically place yourself under the ideology/organization, and the like.
At the beginning of this century, a great many Africans immigrated to the United States. I worked with a number of Africans and met others on the street. I was impressed that these folk came from a society that was incredibly more humane than my own. I cannot see any Western cultural movement being a good thing for Africa. I think we would be better off learning from African culture.
In Africa everyone knows their roles clearly men women and children common sense seemed to be valued more by the majority of people that's why western culture is hard to dominate our society because we very cultured people. That's the reason why things like LGTV movement don't work because they don't make sense and doesn't serve the community any good in africa
@@melaninbotswana2474 What I think is a major difference between African immigrants and the natives, here, is that the Africans come from a small town culture. Cities teach people to be cold and mean. The high rents in the US force people to work hard for long hours, and that destroys people's patience. Still, the way Africans go to help a person when that person loses their temper is something I've never seen before. This is a habit we all need to learn.
Thank you, Elma!! Unfortunately, African history is not taught to our children. Africa has multiple cultures and vast history. In the Ashanti Kingdom in Ghana, the queenmother is the ultimate decider as to who becomes a king. The last war between the Ashanti Kingdom and the British was led by one of the queen mothers called Yaa Asantewaa. You can't call all women in Africa oppressed.
Actually it is. African culture in my country is taught from grade one in social studies to High school in History. You've just named a few exceptions of women having "good" rights. This can be equated to a Western woman quoating Jon of Ark to trivialize what feminism has done in the Western society. There are many many practices that are being fought to this day that heavily affect blk women. From FGM to child marriages to r*pe culture e.t.c From someone who it was compulsory to study African civilization in school, I thank God for colonization and Feminism. Otherwise at my age of 28 years I'd have been married off a long time ago, very docile and traumatized but considered meek and be a mother of almost 20children. On top of that I wouldn't be having my cl*t cause men didn't want girls to enjoy s*x fearing we would enjoy it. 😳 I'd think if my husband isn't beating me he doesn't love me or is about to usher in another woman who he loves more and would rather beat. Lol Out of ignorance one glorifies that which they no not just cause it's from skin folk yet skin folks have been the worst enemies to bw in history. I'll share links of African literature you can indulge in to know what the African woman's plight was like and in some areas IS like.
@@mfululizowak9899I don’t think that saying ‘ I’m grateful for colonialism’ is the right choice of words. Colonialisms for most Africans has been the most destructive thing to ever happen. Families have been torn apart, sold and enslaved to their masters. I fail to comprehend how colonisation has helped you into living the life you’re living now. As a FGM survivor, I will additionally mention that not all African women are circumcised. I’m hugely against FGM of course, but categorising all of African women into the same box isn’t a wise thing to do
@@nyimasetousillahsillah8393 " I fail to understand how colonialism helped in the life you are living now" 🤣😂🤣😂🤣 I became a CEO of a company at the age of 27, when my mother died she left me(a girl) her inheritance instead of my brothers, I went to school and wasn't married off, I am not circumcised, I don't have tribal marking from my tribe to be "marriage accepted" e.t.c but I mentioned those above and you still didn't grasp anything so I don't think you'll grasp this too. BTW....tribal wars were worse and in East Africa where I come from, blk girls and women were sold to Arabs in exchange for spices and food. Baby girls as young as 3months old. Colonialism stopped that. You need to erase the ignorance to understand what I mean and that means you indulging in alot of literature, videos and talking to older women in the community who aren't male identified to really tell you what was up before colonialism and the spread of Christianity in many regions.
@@nyimasetousillahsillah8393 Comprehension is key in this subject as well because I NEVER said all African women are circumcised. I am not and I have lived in Africa all my life. Women of precolonial times though, were circumcised. There was no two way about it.
The elder-to current generation comparison between the women in her country of Cameroon is spot on! Elder women enjoyed prominence and respect in their roles within their society. Similar to how it was in the US. However, as she said, if current generations of women were to occupy those same roles within those conditions, they would view it as oppression. The sad reality is that the last three generations of women of the West are the most liberated, protected, and empowered generations in history, yet they are increasingly more unhappy -- commonly known as the Paradox of Female Unhappiness. Yes, women in Africa have different challenges in their pursuit of gender freedoms and equality but this pursuit should be rethought and juxtaposed against the benefits that the former matriarchy also held.
Ah, yes. Female unhappiness comes from our innate desire to serve men. Shut up. Women are unhappy in the West because men are still lazy idiots who can't wash a dish or look after their own damn kids.
Go, African Matriachy ❤ Its not about gender equality, because we women are not limited by men's limitations (and they are MANY). What we seek in the patriachy world is not equality to men, but EQUALITY shouldd notbe confused with Equal RIGHTS. No woman in her right mind wants to be treated like a male. What we want is the freedom to be women and have & enjoy what is OURS in Mother's Earth aka Mother Earth 🌎 There is a BIG DIFFERENCE between the two, ladies & gentlemen! 🎉
It's great to see young African women evaluate their stories thru the prisms of African values. In Igboland, there were differences in gender roles and not oppression based sexes. As a young man, I witnessed my mother advice our village leaders on significant matters. She was highly honored and respected. African women (and men) have their struggles but these struggles do not encompass liberation as defined by the privileged class of white women. Their stories and struggles are quite different.
Agreed! Our problems are different and require a different solution. For me..I'd say feminism what the start of the conversation of the pressing issues we were faced with as women..the biggest mistake we made as Africans was to adopt rather than adapt. It is always important to put things into context. Our fight is bigger.
Beautifully said Elma. You made many solid and excellent points and really gave this talk your all. I wish that the person who handled your audio did the same 🤔 As a daughter 👩🏽🦱 and wife of audio files it was a distraction and the first time I ever experience this in any TED Talk I’ve ever watched.
I'm so glad I could help Chukwuemeka. It is a pity that so much of our history was not documented, that is why its so important to talk to your grandparents and hear the stories from their mouths.
@@elmaa3995 Exactly, Nwanyị ọma. Unfortunately, there's very few knowledgeable about elders alive, but I'm actively doing so. How can I reach you for more in-depth insights on this?
I was attacked in an online forum for arguing that pre-colonial Igbo culture actually dignified women in more ways than Western culture. Truth remains that while no culture is perfect a lot of the current gender based issues are products of modern distortions of our traditional values system
I have been saying this. As an American born, Jamaican descent and heritage. Feminism doesnt fit my narrative. Despite being born in this culture, the values and beliefs I was raised under.. Jamaican/West African influence.. she said it so well.
Elma Akob you give me hope. At the heart is the question of power. I love hearing about the powerful grandmothers from your country of birth! Yes to womanism! Action Breaks Silence is a charity that was founded by a woman who grew up in South Africa and it is based in the UK. They also do work in South Africa and India where gender based violence is huge problem as you mentioned. In addition to empowering young girls and women through self defense training, they conduct empathy workshops and training with boys - because for the most part it is the boys who are doing the harming and/or growing up into men who are harming. Your father sounds like the most incredible and respectful human. As a preschool teacher for thirty years I have seen first hand that love is at the center of all things that matter. And love takes time. Families in South Africa - especially those poor families where the mother or grandmother works as a domestic worker in affluent suburbs, return home when the children are already asleep. Even at the higher economic end where people are not struggling to feed their families but rather working to maintain their comfortable lifestyles - there is a lack of time for all things family and community. Thank you for your commitment to this area of humanity and the fact that you are always asking questions - It's what allows us to always keep on learning.
I’ve never thought of it in that way. In truth, I’ve never cared much about feminism or at least what I knew about it. I felt guilty for that because not supporting a movement that prone fairness over oppression is to make way for the worse. Now I understand, I wasn’t insensitive to feminism messages, I just couldn’t tie them with what I grew up with. Womanism seems broader, more accurate to my reality. I don’t know much about it yet but it’s certainly a concept I want to develop in.
That's okay. Neither did I. Can I suggest to you, researching Bell Hooks? Even reading one of her books. You can sometimes read a preview of the books online for free.
Power to you sister ✊🏾, as we should be knowledgeable of who we are as a people and not be swept into western influences. ✊🏾 We need to hear such talks, that speak fiercely against Western narratives imposed on us Africans that don't appeal to our African culture, we are fighting a different fight and have been for a long time, let's focus on it and restore that which we lost as African people. Power to you Sister💪🏾
African history does show that across many Afrian tribes, woman are loved, valued and respected in families and societies. Many women even led wars or led communities.
yes! I’m Ghanaian too and I can never be a feminists because they don’t actually care about women and speak poorly about men. They are so quick to insult feminine women, housewives, and also women who are not from the west. I grew up with a SAHM and I’m very girly and got bullied because of that. Not my thing. 🩷
