African women : a modern history / Catherine Coquery-Vidrovitch ; translated by Beth Gillian Raps.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 265-285) and index.

1. Peasant Women -- 2. Slave Women -- 3. Women and Trade at the Dawn of Colonialism -- 4. Powerful Women -- 5. Female Identity and Culture -- 6. Rural Women and Colonialism -- 7. Women and Urban Migration -- 8. The Urban Condition -- 9. Women and Trade -- 10. Domestic Service -- 11. Prostitution: From "Free" Women to Women with AIDS -- 12. Women and Factory Work -- 13. Women and Poverty: The Future of Female Informal-Sector Employment -- 14. Women and School -- 15. Women and Politics: Resistance and Action in West Africa -- 16. Women and Politics: Delay in Zaire -- 17. Women and Politics: The Wars for National Liberation -- 18. Sexuality and Emancipation -- Conclusion: The Future -- Bibliography: African Women in Modern History.

Tracing the lot of African women from the eve of the colonial period to the present, Catherine Coquery-Vidrovitch explores the stages and forms of women's collective roles as well as their individual emancipation through revolts, urban migrations, economic impacts, social claims, political strength, and creativity. Comparing case studies drawn from throughout the region, she sheds light on issues ranging from gender to economy, politics, society, and culture.

Utilizing an impressive array of sources, she highlights broad general patterns without overlooking crucial local variations. With its breadth of coverage and clear analysis of complex questions, this book is destined to become a standard text for scholars and students alike.