BIO

Hi! My name is Alexis Dorman, I am 18 years old, from Orlando, Florida, and a first-year, honors student at Florida State University. I am pursuing a dual degree in International Affairs and Political Science with minors in Chinese and Education. Since I was young, I've spent my time volunteering, participating in a variety of clubs and extracurricular activities, and making the most of my educational career. I am passionate about international relations, political science, current events, and diplomacy. Aside from my academic interests I also enjoy dance, art, music, and movies!

The Changing Definition of "Womanhood" in Meru, Tanzania

Abstract

How has the history of the western feminist movement impacted the meaning of “womanhood” in Meru, Tanzania? For over a century women’s rights have been at the forefront of social transformation, globally. But the definition of feminism differs from place to place. The changing definition of “womanhood,” in Tanzania, is one that has recently caught the attention of experts. The Tanzanian social structure is changing, and progress is being made. Even so, there are still some norms that westerners struggle to understand. With the Lutheran church dominating, women have an entirely different idea of what it means to “be a woman.” I have utilized the transcripts produced by Dr. Beth Ann Williams from her time spent in Meru, Tanzania and have found numerous themes that are consistently mentioned across interviews. These reoccurring themes are worth looking into further and act as the foundation for the research I conducted and am presenting at the symposium.

Keywords: Womanhood, Religion, Tanzania, Feminism