L'afroféminisme en France et le Féminisme au Sénégal : Comparaison de l'évolution des Mouvements

Abstract

This thesis explores the similarities of two feminist movements: black feminism in France and feminism in Senegal. Drawing on previous works, such as Un féminisme décolonial by Françoise Vergès or Afrofem by the Mwasi collective, and social media activity, we do a comparative analysis of the evolution of both movements, from their appearances, in the 1970s and 1980s, to their current organizations. The members of the two movements share parts of their identity: being a woman and being black. However, the difference of context that those women face in France and in Senegal prevents them from having the same experiences. Each movement has its priorities. In France the women are fighting for the control of their bodies and a better representation, combining anti sexist and anti-racist fights. In Senegal they demand equality in education and in politics and they fight for a better protection of girls and women. Both movements are evolving towards a pan-African collaboration. The two movements are more different than they are alike. Because of the rights that were obtained by feminists throughout the 19th and 20th centuries in France, the black feminism activists can focus on specific problematics like the representation of black women in society. Whereas Senegalese feminists need to fight for basics rights like education, in a society that recently became a democracy. The collaboration of the activists from both countries might engender more similarities between the movements.