Abstract
Abstract This article argues that female journalists used their advice columns in the West Cameroon State to maintain Anglophone Cameroonian cultural identity and unity from 1961 to 1972. As public intellectuals, they sought to regulate women’s behaviors in order to preserve and redefine ideas of Anglophone Cameroonian political identity as well as concepts about gender norms and cultural values. From this position, they urged women to follow what they deemed suitable African cultural values and to join women’s organizations. At the same time, they endeavored to protect what they imagined as a unified Anglophone cultural identity within a hegemonic Francophone republic. By applauding the activities of female political elites, they directly advocated for Anglophone Cameroonian political identity and autonomy. Yet through all of this they emphasized they were mere housewives, strategically suppressing their roles as public intellectuals and thereby making themselves less politically threatening to their readers, communities, and the patriarchal state.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call