The socio-economic effects of colonialism on African women: the case study of Zimbabwe.

Abstract

This study explores the socio-economic effects of colonialism on African women using the case study of Zimbabwe. It investigates on whether the problems that African women face today are a result of colonialism. The study also gives a better understanding of colonialism and both its negative and positive effects on African women particularly in Zimbabwe.. Interviews group discussions, books, journals and internet sources were referred to extensively in order for the researcher to come up with adequate information that was required for the research. Also personal observation added towards coming up of this research. The researchers findings have shown that negative effects of colonialism on women outweigh the positive effects. Responses of respondents in this research indicate that the extent to which patriarchal system which had existed in the pre-colonial era worsened during the colonial era as African women were influenced to actively participate in the private sphere of being child bearers, wives and mothers and hence were forced to be submissive to men as they did not even have identity documents which meant they were under the representation of men. Due to colonial beliefs, most of African women perceive and allow their family responsibilities as a barrier that prevents them from climbing the economic ladder. Furthermore, the gender stereotypes introduced during the colonial period brainwashed the Africans to such an extent that despite policies and strategies put in place to achieve gender equality and equity, African women still find themselves having to carry the plight of alienation and under-representation in all aspects of their lives