On Wednesday, 22 January 2025, the Avid Readers Forum organised a physical event to discuss Professor Ali Mazrui's groundbreaking lecture titled ‘The Black Woman and the Problem of Gender: An African Perspective’. Ruth Jebet, a final-year law student, moderated the session, and Ms Melissa Mungai, a lecturer at Kabarak University Law School, was the lead reader.
In his lecture, Prof. Mazrui identified three forms of sexism and their solutions. The first form is benevolent sexism, which involves being protective or generous towards women. Prof. Mazrui argued that while this may seem positive, it can still reinforce gender stereotypes and limit women's autonomy. The solution, he suggested, is to empower women to make their own choices and not rely on men's protection.
The second form is benign sexism, which acknowledges gender differences but does not provide sexual advantages or impose gender-based costs. Prof. Mazrui explained that this form of sexism maintains traditional roles and can subtly perpetuate inequality. He proposed that the solution is to treat men and women as equals in all aspects of life, recognizing their differences without letting them dictate roles or opportunities.
The third form is malignant sexism, which marginalises women economically and socially. Prof Mazrui highlighted that this is the most harmful form of sexism, as it actively oppresses women and denies them opportunities. He asserted that the solution is to challenge and dismantle the structures that perpetuate this inequality, such as discriminatory laws and practices, and to promote women's economic and social empowerment.
Melissa Mungai expressed that addressing one form of sexism without considering the others is ineffective, as they are interconnected. She referred to this comprehensive approach as Prof Mazrui's ‘triology’, where he often presents his ideas in groups of three. Melissa emphasised the importance of a holistic approach to tackling sexism, as focusing on only one aspect can leave others unaddressed and allow the cycle of inequality to continue.
During the discussion, several questions were raised by the attendees. One question was about the importance of talking about gender. Melissa explained that discussing gender is crucial because gender-based issues, such as inequality and discrimination, affect everyone. She argued that open conversations can lead to greater awareness and understanding, ultimately driving social change.
Another question was whether society should stop favouring women due to past discrimination. Melissa responded by stating that affirmative action and other measures to support women are necessary to level the playing field. She argued that these measures are not about giving women an unfair advantage but about correcting historical injustices and ensuring equal opportunities for all.
A third question was whether everything should be based on merit. Melissa acknowledged that merit is important, but she also pointed out that systemic inequalities can prevent women from having the same opportunities to demonstrate their merit. She argued that it is essential to address these inequalities to create a truly merit-based system.
The final question was whether a woman who dedicates her life to caring for the home and children should be considered a feminist. Melissa explained that feminism is about empowering women to make their own choices, whether they choose to pursue a career or focus on their family. She emphasised that respecting and valuing all women's choices is central to feminist principles.
Melissa concluded the discussion by defining gender as a form of violence, both physical and epistemic. She explained that gender-based violence includes not only physical harm but also the suppression of women's voices and perspectives. Melissa stressed the importance of discussing gender to address and break the cycle of violence. Without addressing gender issues, she warned, the cycle of violence would continue.
