Exploring Women’s Political Agency in Francophone Africa: A Conference Call for Papers
An upcoming conference session at the WIF conference scheduled for May 7–9, 2026, at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, USA, invites scholars and practitioners to submit papers delving into the vital roles that women play in shaping political discourses across Francophone Africa. The theme, “Visible and Invisible Transgressions,” aims to foster discussions centered on women’s agency in various political contexts.
Despite often being marginalized in mainstream narratives, women have been pivotal in influencing political landscapes, from grassroots activism to institutional leadership and transnational movements. Current literature in feminist theory, African cultural politics, and citizenship studies supports the notion that women are not merely recipients of rights but active participants in the political arena. This session aspires to create a collaborative platform for activism, scholarship, and practical engagement with women’s political roles.
Areas of Interest
Contributors are encouraged to focus on women’s agency across diverse historical and contemporary political contexts. Potential themes include, but are not limited to:
- Migration, diaspora activism, and global feminist solidarity.
- Postcolonial political leadership by women.
- Women’s engagement in nationalist and liberation movements.
- Feminist critiques of power dynamics and state-building processes.
- Women’s contributions to diplomacy, peace negotiations, and transitional justice.
- The interplay of class, ethnicity, religion, and generational factors in political belonging.
- Representations of women in political media and cultural expressions.
- The complexities surrounding women’s leadership in political frameworks and civil society.
- Faith-based political narratives involving women.
- The dynamics of self-representation in women’s autobiographies.
- The intersection of gendered politics and sexuolitics.
- Ecofeminism and advocacy around climate justice.
- Examination of women’s political rhetoric in Francophone Africa.
Interdisciplinary Contributions Encouraged
This conference session particularly welcomes interdisciplinary approaches, including case studies from various Francophone regions, such as South, West, Central, and North Africa, as well as the diaspora. Comparative studies that cross regional and linguistic lines are also highly encouraged.
Submission Process
Interested authors should submit a 250-300 word abstract along with a 100-word biography by September 19, 2025. The abstracts must be sent to Dr. Tshimpaka at leon.tshimpaka@up.ac.za and Dr. Saidou at saidouax@jmu.edu. Notifications of acceptance will be communicated by December 19, 2025. Selected full papers will be considered for publication in an edited volume titled “Women’s Agency and Political Discourses in Francophone Africa,” with presentations available in both English and French.
For more information about registration processes, interested participants can follow the provided links. This conference represents a unique opportunity to explore the multifaceted roles of women in shaping political discourse in Fracophone Africa.
