Ugandan feminism

Abstract

This article discusses the issues involved in constructing feminisms in a global context, while recognising women's diverse cultural backgrounds and local priorities. The issues raised here include whether there exists something which can be identified as "African feminism"; whether such a concept could be said to span all African countries; whether there is a truly "African feminism" as distinct form "western feminism"; and what lessons might be learnt from each other. Focusing on the Ugandan context, the relationships between feminisms at local, national, and international levels are explored. Although feminist concerns cannot be generalised, fundamental commonalities can be found by looking beyond political rhetoric and focusing on the reality of women's lived experiences. It is concluded that international feminist links need to be built in order to influence public policy makers internationally, nationally, and locally to embrace the principle of "women's rights as human rights".