Amadikwamzi

Amadikwamzi have emerged as an important group of women amongst the Mpondo in South Africa. When the position of women in African societies is explored, particularly within the marriage institution immersed in patriarchy, a contradictory picture emerges. A few women have made it to written work in relation to being recognised for championing the cause for reasserting women identities, autonomy and general women’s emancipation; otherwise, a dearth of literature emphasises the subject of women’s struggles or their involvement in anti-oppression struggles by Africans. This entry highlights that, despite struggles of African women being complex and, in some instances, misrepresented, particularly where customary instructions such as marriage are evoked, these struggles are undergoing progressive transition while gaining momentum and recognition.