African Women and Power: Reflections on the Perils of Unwarranted Cosmopolitanism

Abstract

As we embark on the journey of stimulating the flows of new and different, critical and timely intellectual ideas in this maiden issue of Jenda, I suggest that we look both to the past and future. From the past, we consider the record of victories won, gains made, and challenges that continue to move us to action. In the future lies the possibility of making change through the inspirational force of ideas, the mobilizational impetus of action that points out the shortcomings of the past and present, and provides worthwhile alternatives. It is an exciting new day. Given the optimism that I have for the future, the perilous and unwarranted cosmopolitanism of African women scholars and activists is uppermost in my mind. I bring up this issue as opposed to any other because of the changes and developments that are afoot in this new, global world. As with any new phenomenon, globalization presents numerous possibilities of benefits to humanity. It also challenges us in a myriad of ways.