CFP: Women, Feminisms, and Philosophy in Africa (CFA)

Women, Feminisms, and Philosophy in Africa

Edited by: Abosede Priscilla Ipadeola, University of Hildesheim, Germany.

Call for Abstracts

Background and Rationale

The African philosophical tradition, unlike many others, has faced tremendous challenges before gaining recognition as a valid sphere of human knowledge. In fact, in some intellectual circles, controversies over the existence and authenticity of African philosophies still continue to rage. Within this contested terrain, the ordeal of African women has been especially severe. This is because their experiences and contributions to philosophy have been plagued by epistemic erasure and invisibility.

Although African philosophy has gained increasing traction as a distinct intellectual tradition, African women’s ideas and interventions remain significantly underrepresented. The denial of philosophy to a people is not simply an oversight; it is a denial of their humanity and a serious form of epistemic injustice. In both global and African philosophical canons, African women’s philosophical contributions have repeatedly been pushed to the margins.

Moreover, within dominant schools of thought in African philosophy, women's concerns and issues are still largely absent or only superficially examined. At the same time, many African indigenous beliefs and practices have been persistent in shaping gender relations and everyday life, often in ways that disproportionately impact women. This volume seeks to interrogate such beliefs and practices through feminist lenses, foregrounding African women's agency, creativity, resistance, and philosophical thought.

Aims  of the Volume

This edited volume has two main objectives:

To highlight African women's contributions to philosophy, both past and present, within and beyond academia.

To demonstrate how African feminist philosophical ideas have influenced discourses and knowledge production in African philosophies and societies.

The volume particularly welcomes rigorously argued philosophical contributions that may be historical, theoretical, or applied and that may also draw on interdisciplinary perspectives, where relevant.

Contributions should employ clearly articulated philosophical methods and may also incorporate empirical or historical materials where appropriate. A plurality of African feminist frameworks is welcome, including, but not limited to, African feminisms, Africana womanism, Black feminism, and decolonial and intersectional approaches, provided they engage critically and constructively with African contexts.

The call is open to scholars at all career stages whose work engages African women, feminisms, and philosophy. Authors drawing on empirical or community-based research are expected to ensure relevant ethical clearance and informed consent in accordance with their institutional and local guidelines.

Suggested Topics

Contributions may address, but are not limited to, the following topics:

- Representations of women in African philosophy

- African women and philosophy

- African women philosophers and thinkers

- African feminisms

- Feminist African epistemology

- Feminist African ethics

- Feminist African political philosophy

- Feminist African aesthetics

- Feminist African philosophy of language

- Feminist African existentialism

- FeministAfricancriticalthinking

- Methodological issues in feminist African philosophical discourses

- Gender relations in traditional and contemporary Africa

- Women and decolonization in African philosophy

- Women and African metaphysics

- African ecofeminist philosophy

- African feminist AI ethics

- Feminist African leadership ethics

- Feminist African philosophy of mind

- African women and applied ethical issues

- Feminist African jurisprudence

- Feminist African philosophy of religion

Authors are also welcome to propose additional topics that fall within the general scope of Women, Feminisms, and Philosophy in Africa.

Submission Guidelines

Abstract: Maximum 150 words.

Please include a brief bio stating your name, institutional affiliation, academic title, and key publications (if any).

Full chapter length: 5,000–8,000 words (including references).

Language: English (British or American, used consistently).

Referencing style: Chicago author–date.

File format: Microsoft Word (docx).

Original work: Submissions must be original and not under review elsewhere.

Please title your email subject line and abstract document as "Women, Feminisms, and Philosophy in Africa.”

Send your abstract and short bio: [email protected]

Informal queries and requests for clarification are welcome and may be sent to the same email address.

Important Date:

Deadline for abstract submission: Thursday, April 30, 2026.

Please note that all submitted chapters will undergo rigorous peer review. Acceptance of an abstract does not guarantee the full chapter will be published.

Editor’s Bio

Abosede Priscilla Ipadeola, PhD, is a feminist African philosopher. She is currently a research fellow at the Center for Advanced Studies at the University of Hildesheim in Germany. Her research interests include African philosophy (especially feminist African philosophy), global political philosophy, Black feminist studies, epistemology, ethics, and postcolonial studies. She has worked as a faculty member and academic researcher at various universities and research institutes, including the University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Katholische Universität Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Germany; the University of Leeds, United Kingdom; and The New Institute, Germany. She is the author of Feminist African Philosophy: Women and the Politics of Difference (Routledge, 2023). Her latest publications include "Filosofía africana feminista: un enfoque interseccional" (Feminist African Philosophy: An Intersectional Approach). SumiacherD'Angelo, D., AcevedoCameto, S. V., Sánchez Rivera, V., y D’Angelo, P. C. (Comps.). Género y feminismo en construcción a través de las prácticas filosóficas. Corporación Universitaria Minuto de Dios–UNIMINUTO; Editorial CECAPFI (2025) (in Spanish) and "Feminist Critical Storytelling: African Philosophy and the Challenge of Gender Inclusivity," Namita Herzl (Ed.) Women Beyond the Canon: Philosophies and Feminisms. Hildesheim: Universitaetsverlag, 99-113. She is the convenor and first coordinator of the League of African Women Philosophers.