Explain the role, status, and power of African women in ancient Africa

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Ideal Answer: The ideal answer should:
1) Define "African" women as including North Africa and ancient Egyptian culture as well as West, Central, Southern, and Eastern African women.
2) Point out that women were often seen as the property of men, and men dominated African women to the point of widespread enslavement of women and polygamy.
3) Note that women did in some cultures have the right to own property, inherit property, control the income from property, and serve as government officials.
4) Note the irony that women who served as government officials were often slaves.
5) Provide an example of the power of African women: The Ashantee Queen held her own court to decide women's affairs.
6) Conclude that women held considerable power over their sexuality; secret societies taught women to be virtuous.