Must leaders be men? In Africa, it's time for the patriarchy to give way | Minna Salami

To be African is to inhabit an identity shaped by a complicated history, politics and geography.

But there is one aspect of this identity that receives far less discussion: namely, do we see Africans as male? Africanness may be perceived as neutral, yet it is overwhelmingly shaped by male experiences.

This is evident in political leadership, cultural representation, intellectual traditions and social structures.

If only that feeling of mutual involvement had truly pervaded: perhaps we would be further along the path toward healing, unity and conscientious leadership. But just because past definitions of African identity have been male-centred doesn’t mean they cannot change. Women can be equal makers of Africa ’s future. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. It will require separating Africanness from maleness. It will mean seeing African identity not just from the thresholds of male experience, but from female experience too..