Female Circumcision and the Politics of Knowledge: African Women in Imperialist Discourses
In a significant way, the volume has implications for transnational
feminism and development in the sense that it interrogates foreign,
or Western, modus operandi and interventions in the so-called Third
World and shows how the resistance they generate can impede
development work and undermine the true collaboration and
partnership necessary to promote transnational feminist agenda. The
contributors succeed in presenting these complex ideas and
arguments with great clarity and in simple, accessible language.
"Endorsement From Diana Tietjens Meyers University of Connecticut, Storrs: Obioma Nnaemeka has assembled a vital collection of essays that breathes new life into debates over cultural imperialism, cultural authenticity, and the authority to speak about and/or for women. The collection issues a ringing affirmation of the agency of African women and an uncompromising call for equal power in transnational feminist coalitions. Everyone who is troubled by the antimony between universalist morality and cultural relativism should read these important essays. Endorsement From Susan H. Perry American University of Paris, France: A tour de force, this book brilliantly explores the power of localism as a driving force in the debate on female circumcision. This essential reading on one of the most controversial issues of our time is a veritable toolbox for feminists and development specialists seeking solid theoretical grounding. Endorsement From Valerie Orlando Illinois Wesleyan: Scholar Obioma Nnaemeka has assembled an impellent and brilliant body of essays that radically engages Western notions about African female subjectivity and agency. These insightful, ground-breaking essays by top-notch scholars in a variety of fields encourage readers to build new trajectories that promote a true transnational feminism. Endorsement From Janice BoddyUniversity of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada: This inspired collaboration of scholars from Africa and the West provides a sustained critique of imperialist discourses surrounding female circumcision. Writing under the banner of transnational feminism, its authors move us beyond judgemental confrontation towards an appreciation of context and the value of strategic alliances based on mutual respect. Bravo!"
