Women of Africa, Their Role and Position in Society

The concept of equality has given a powerful emotional appeal to the struggle of women to free them from exploitation and oppression. However, in spite of all these emotional appeals, there has really been no substantive change in the condition of women although some inroads had been made into entrenched inequality. This poses the question whether the approach to the problem has been tactically correct? The problem of the status and position of South Africa women has acquired significant importance due to the intervention of the United Nations. It is notable that while the legally sanctioned racist system suppresses and denies the most minimal human rights to all Africans, it is the black women in South Africa who often suffer the gravest effects of apartheid. Mrs. Sharma in her present work examines the problem in historical perspective. After examining the gravity of the situation in introductory chapter, she traces the history of European penetration in South Africa and examines the position of women in traditional African society. In subsequent chapters she examines the role of black women in different activities including trade unions and highlights their struggle in improving the position and status for themselves. It is no doubt a highly useful book for students conducting study of South African women in particular, and women of the world in general.

Mr. Kshama Sharma (b. 1961) passed her M.A. (Pol. Sc.-1984) and M.Phil, of Delhi. She plunged herself into research and teaching immediately after passing her M.A. and served various institutions as Research Assistant. Apart from her research activities till 1986, she also taught B.A. and M.A. Political Science students of the School of Correspondence Courses of Delhi University. Currently, she is teaching Political Science to undergraduate students at Ram Lal Anand College, Delhi University. Mrs. Sharma has contributed many research papers to various professional journals and participated in a number of seminars and conferences.