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Can Feminism be African?: A Most Paradoxical Question and a Vision of African Political Philosophy
What happens when we consider Africa through a feminist lens and feminism through an African one? And what does it mean to centre selfhood in this journey?
In this shining, wide-ranging inquiry, Minna Salami explores these questions through an unhesitating and incisive vision of African feminist political philosophy.
Drawing from feminist thought, postcolonial theory, historical insights, and African knowledge systems, Salami combines personal reflection with cultural criticism to offer a vivid and cohesive discussion about power, identity, patriarchy, imagination, and the human condition. Grounded in Africa’s enduring visions of agency and autonomy, Can Feminism Be African? opens new paths for rethinking the narratives that shape our world.
This is a timely and thought-provoking read, calling us to rethink the past, present, and future through new perspectives.
In this shining, wide-ranging inquiry, Minna Salami explores these questions through an unhesitating and incisive vision of African feminist political philosophy.
Drawing from feminist thought, postcolonial theory, historical insights, and African knowledge systems, Salami combines personal reflection with cultural criticism to offer a vivid and cohesive discussion about power, identity, patriarchy, imagination, and the human condition. Grounded in Africa’s enduring visions of agency and autonomy, Can Feminism Be African? opens new paths for rethinking the narratives that shape our world.
This is a timely and thought-provoking read, calling us to rethink the past, present, and future through new perspectives.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 13, 2025
13 people are currently reading
452 people want to read
About the author
Minna Salami
15 books109 followersMinna Salami is an author, blogger, social critic and international keynote speaker, and the founder of the multiple award-winning blog, MsAfropolitan, which connects feminism with critical reflections on contemporary culture from an Africa-centred perspective.
Listed by ELLE Magazine as “one of twelve women changing the world” alongside Angelina Jolie and Michelle Obama, Minna has presented talks on feminism, liberation, decolonisation, sexuality, African Studies and popular culture to audiences at the European Parliament, the Oxford Union, Yale University, TEDx, The Singularity University at NASA and UNWomen among others.
She is a contributor to The Guardian, Al Jazeera and the Royal Society of the Arts, and a columnist for the Guardian Nigeria.
Minna Salami was born in 1978 to a Nigerian father and a Finnish mother. Leaving Nigeria in her early teens, she has since lived in Sweden, Spain, New York and London, where she now resides.
She was awarded a distinction for her MA thesis in Gender Studies from SOAS University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Lund. Her debut book, SENSUOUS KNOWLEDGE, is forthcoming in Spring 2020.
Listed by ELLE Magazine as “one of twelve women changing the world” alongside Angelina Jolie and Michelle Obama, Minna has presented talks on feminism, liberation, decolonisation, sexuality, African Studies and popular culture to audiences at the European Parliament, the Oxford Union, Yale University, TEDx, The Singularity University at NASA and UNWomen among others.
She is a contributor to The Guardian, Al Jazeera and the Royal Society of the Arts, and a columnist for the Guardian Nigeria.
Minna Salami was born in 1978 to a Nigerian father and a Finnish mother. Leaving Nigeria in her early teens, she has since lived in Sweden, Spain, New York and London, where she now resides.
She was awarded a distinction for her MA thesis in Gender Studies from SOAS University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Lund. Her debut book, SENSUOUS KNOWLEDGE, is forthcoming in Spring 2020.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 26, 2025
The title, Can Feminism Be African?, underscores the paradox and complexity of its central question from the very start. What follows is a thoughtful and indepth exploration the topic, breaking down the words 'African', 'feminism' and even 'be' to get to the very core of this complex subject.
While her language is dense and often tautological, Salami elucidates some striking theories on post-colonial theory, political philosophy and African culture. Starting with an inquiry into metaphysics and African identity, Salami moves through complex theories of superiorism, dualism and Andro-Africanism with deft clarity. It's not an easy read, but it is rewarding in its intensity.
Clear-sighted and thought-provoking, Can Feminism Be African? is a fascinating philosophical read.
*Thank you to Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review*
While her language is dense and often tautological, Salami elucidates some striking theories on post-colonial theory, political philosophy and African culture. Starting with an inquiry into metaphysics and African identity, Salami moves through complex theories of superiorism, dualism and Andro-Africanism with deft clarity. It's not an easy read, but it is rewarding in its intensity.
Clear-sighted and thought-provoking, Can Feminism Be African? is a fascinating philosophical read.
*Thank you to Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review*
May 25, 2025
This was a dense read — definitely not something to breeze through — but also surprisingly intimate and personal. It’s feminist theory, but also kind of anti-theory at the same time. It flows in this organic, reflective way that feels very different from most academic writing.
What caught me off guard, though, was how much Salami references really traditional, mainstream Eurocentric thinkers — Aristotle, Descartes, Hegel, Jung, even Pindar. She’s critical, for sure, but I didn’t expect them to show up so much in a book about African feminism. Still, it makes for an interesting contrast.
Overall, it’s not an easy read, but it’s a thought-provoking one that stays with you.
What caught me off guard, though, was how much Salami references really traditional, mainstream Eurocentric thinkers — Aristotle, Descartes, Hegel, Jung, even Pindar. She’s critical, for sure, but I didn’t expect them to show up so much in a book about African feminism. Still, it makes for an interesting contrast.
Overall, it’s not an easy read, but it’s a thought-provoking one that stays with you.
June 16, 2025
an invitation to a critical engagement. still sitting with some chapters.
February 9, 2025
I have read a number of books on racism and feminism over the years, but not very many dealing with the experience of women in Africa - they usually focused on racism in Western countries. This book was really good, but really challenging. I am used to reading essays and memoirs that are accessible, easy to comprehend, divided into neat chapters with examples I can easily grasp - this was not it. It was interesting, well-written, Minna Salami clearly has a brilliant mind, but accessible it was not.
The chapters are very systematic in their approach - what is Africa, what is feminism, what does it mean to be - and cover various angles - the Superiorism of Europe, essential to Europe's identity, the Educator of Africa; the Gender abd Development approaches so popular nowadays; Covid; African myths and legends; a history of African feminist thinkers.
I am not sure I understood all of it, but there are many authors she quotes that I would like to read, and I found it interesting to be challenged and to have to focus so much on this text.
Free ARC sent by Netgalley.
The chapters are very systematic in their approach - what is Africa, what is feminism, what does it mean to be - and cover various angles - the Superiorism of Europe, essential to Europe's identity, the Educator of Africa; the Gender abd Development approaches so popular nowadays; Covid; African myths and legends; a history of African feminist thinkers.
I am not sure I understood all of it, but there are many authors she quotes that I would like to read, and I found it interesting to be challenged and to have to focus so much on this text.
Free ARC sent by Netgalley.
March 22, 2025
Brilliantly and eloquently written. The fact that it is written in non-verbose language makes it accessible. I devoured it in one day and enjoyed reading, especially the 2nd and 3rd parts. The significant achievement of Salami's book, I would say, is her engagement with the future direction for African feminism. How we as African feminists must focus on the now and stop referring to Africa's 'feminist' history every time the issue of feminism vis-a-vis women and lgbtq rights are discussed.
When these histories are brought up, they are commonly used to derail the conversation on important contemporary issues of equality and justice that affect african women and, might I add, people of marginalized identities. As African feminists, we must focus on the now, do the important work of clarifying our feminist political philosophy, stop catering to people whose intent is simply to derail the conversation with histories they themselves are unwilling to adopt or apply to contemporary world-building.
As African feminists, we must have a keen awareness of how patriarchy has evolved over time, becoming increasingly sophisticated in infiltrating our lives and granting rewards and honors, welcoming us into the fold to sit at the table — rewards and honors we come to celebrate as symbolic evidence of our hard work, non-conformity, and feminist success. It reminds me of the aphorism - keep your enemies closer, fed and dependent on you, and you ensure your own aliveness, because now their aliveness is intertwined with yours.
When these histories are brought up, they are commonly used to derail the conversation on important contemporary issues of equality and justice that affect african women and, might I add, people of marginalized identities. As African feminists, we must focus on the now, do the important work of clarifying our feminist political philosophy, stop catering to people whose intent is simply to derail the conversation with histories they themselves are unwilling to adopt or apply to contemporary world-building.
As African feminists, we must have a keen awareness of how patriarchy has evolved over time, becoming increasingly sophisticated in infiltrating our lives and granting rewards and honors, welcoming us into the fold to sit at the table — rewards and honors we come to celebrate as symbolic evidence of our hard work, non-conformity, and feminist success. It reminds me of the aphorism - keep your enemies closer, fed and dependent on you, and you ensure your own aliveness, because now their aliveness is intertwined with yours.
February 1, 2026
Philosophical, passionate, profound, poetic and provocative…this book captivated me from the very beginning. There is something so courageous and convicted about Mina Salami’s voice. Wow.
At its core, “Can Feminism Be African”? is a meditation on identity, power and history. Salami interrogates feminism as something that must be thoughtfully examined, challenged, and rooted within African realities. She invites the reader to sit with the complexity, contradiction, plurality, and discomfort, rather than rushing toward conclusions.
What struck me most was the writing itself. There is a bold and beautiful brilliance in how Salami handles language. It’s devoted, expansive, and deeply alive. This is literary genius at work, not because it dazzles for effect but because it thinks beautifully. The philosophy is rigorous and yet so radiant!
That said, this is not a book to rush through. Its conceptual density demands mindfulness and meditation, and at times the reading experience can feel intellectually demanding rather than comforting, though I suspect that is very much part of Salami’s intention.
Ultimately, this is a book for readers who enjoy thinking deeply, questioning inherited ideas and engaging feminism beyond slogans or binaries. It left me reflective, challenged, and intellectually energised not because it offered answers, but because it asked the right questions.
A phenomenal 4 stars.
At its core, “Can Feminism Be African”? is a meditation on identity, power and history. Salami interrogates feminism as something that must be thoughtfully examined, challenged, and rooted within African realities. She invites the reader to sit with the complexity, contradiction, plurality, and discomfort, rather than rushing toward conclusions.
What struck me most was the writing itself. There is a bold and beautiful brilliance in how Salami handles language. It’s devoted, expansive, and deeply alive. This is literary genius at work, not because it dazzles for effect but because it thinks beautifully. The philosophy is rigorous and yet so radiant!
That said, this is not a book to rush through. Its conceptual density demands mindfulness and meditation, and at times the reading experience can feel intellectually demanding rather than comforting, though I suspect that is very much part of Salami’s intention.
Ultimately, this is a book for readers who enjoy thinking deeply, questioning inherited ideas and engaging feminism beyond slogans or binaries. It left me reflective, challenged, and intellectually energised not because it offered answers, but because it asked the right questions.
A phenomenal 4 stars.
July 29, 2025
This book looks at whether feminism, often seen as a Western concept, can be relevant and applicable within African cultural contexts.
Salami argues that feminism can and must be African, but it needs to be shaped by African women's unique experiences, histories, and perspectives.
• Many Africans see feminism as anti-African or as a Western import. This perception is often rooted in colonial legacies and misunderstandings about what feminism truly means.
• She explores the idea of Metaphysical Africa and what this entails in Western and in the African imagination.
• Salami points out that African women have always resisted patriarchy in various ways, even before the term “feminism” was used.
• African feminism must address not just gender but also race, class, culture, religion, and colonial history. It should reflect the complex realities of African women’s lives, rather than copy Western feminist frameworks.
• While respecting African cultures is important, not all traditions should be preserved—especially those that oppress women. African feminism must find a balance between honoring culture and pushing for gender justice.
• Salami encourages a version of feminism that is inclusive, dynamic, and rooted in African thought, not dependent on Western definitions. She highlights some of the work of African feminist thinkers and activists who are already shaping this movement.
This book was cerebral, but gery interesting and its short length and short chapters made it easy to understand. Salami bit off a big bite with this book but she managed it all!!!
Salami argues that feminism can and must be African, but it needs to be shaped by African women's unique experiences, histories, and perspectives.
• Many Africans see feminism as anti-African or as a Western import. This perception is often rooted in colonial legacies and misunderstandings about what feminism truly means.
• She explores the idea of Metaphysical Africa and what this entails in Western and in the African imagination.
• Salami points out that African women have always resisted patriarchy in various ways, even before the term “feminism” was used.
• African feminism must address not just gender but also race, class, culture, religion, and colonial history. It should reflect the complex realities of African women’s lives, rather than copy Western feminist frameworks.
• While respecting African cultures is important, not all traditions should be preserved—especially those that oppress women. African feminism must find a balance between honoring culture and pushing for gender justice.
• Salami encourages a version of feminism that is inclusive, dynamic, and rooted in African thought, not dependent on Western definitions. She highlights some of the work of African feminist thinkers and activists who are already shaping this movement.
This book was cerebral, but gery interesting and its short length and short chapters made it easy to understand. Salami bit off a big bite with this book but she managed it all!!!
February 10, 2025
Can Feminism be African? has broadened my understanding of feminism not only in Africa but also around the world.
I read a lot of feminist literature and thought I had at least a rudimentary understanding of African feminism but this book proved me wrong and showed me that I need to be broadening my reading substantially to gain a better understanding of the history and nuances of feminism across Africa both as a whole and as individual nations. Salami is direct in her criticisms of both the Western world and Western feminism. I found this particularly refreshing as it is in stark contrast to a lot of feminist literature which fails to hit home how seriously our lack of action affects others.
I highly recommend this for anyone who would like to delve deeper into intersectional feminism.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own
I read a lot of feminist literature and thought I had at least a rudimentary understanding of African feminism but this book proved me wrong and showed me that I need to be broadening my reading substantially to gain a better understanding of the history and nuances of feminism across Africa both as a whole and as individual nations. Salami is direct in her criticisms of both the Western world and Western feminism. I found this particularly refreshing as it is in stark contrast to a lot of feminist literature which fails to hit home how seriously our lack of action affects others.
I highly recommend this for anyone who would like to delve deeper into intersectional feminism.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own
May 3, 2025
Oh my what a brilliant must read! What should be a bible for activism from a feminist lens nowadays.
Finally a book on feminism that spoke to me, in all its chapters.
I’m such a big Minna Salami fan now, career goals even in a 1% amount in my lifetime🥹
Finally a book on feminism that spoke to me, in all its chapters.
I’m such a big Minna Salami fan now, career goals even in a 1% amount in my lifetime🥹
July 27, 2025
Challenging, fairly technical, but I didn’t always love the women she’s holding up as inspiring. 3.5 stars.
November 3, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I recommend!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews