Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book argues that the theme of women is being marginalized in discourses in African philosophy. It shows how Odera Oruka's conception of sage philosophy/philosophic sagacity is enmeshed in a patriarchal culture. The book discusses the theme of women and ubuntu. It also argues that the world-view of ubuntu has been interpreted as giving the highest regard to relationships. The book also discusses the problems associated with how African women deal with the trauma of loss in a culture that subordinates women. It concerns the serious issue of sexual violence against women in the South African postcolony. The book explores the intersection of feminist theory and environmental protection reflected in the theoretical and practical work of the Kenyan feminist and ecological activist Wangari Maathai, winner of the Nobel Prize in 2004.