How Movements Can Learn From Their Histories in the Fight for Bodily Autonomy
SOFIA — As global backlash against bodily autonomy and LGBTQ+ rights intensifies, activists are increasingly turning to historical frameworks to guide their resistance. The concept of Sankofa—an Akan principle from Ghana meaning “go back and get it”—offers a powerful lens for movements seeking to reclaim agency and build sustainable change. Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah, an African feminist writer and activist, argues that understanding the past is not just about preservation but about decolonial reclamation, ensuring that today’s struggles are rooted in centuries of resistance rather than starting from scratch.
Sekyiamah’s perform highlights how colonialism disrupted indigenous practices of bodily autonomy, replacing them with puritanical norms that persist today. Yet, she also points to moments of progress, such as Benin’s recent decision to allow transgender individuals to change gender markers on national IDs—a rare victory in a region where legal recognition remains elusive. For activists navigating hostile environments, these small but significant wins demonstrate that even within oppressive systems, cracks can be found and widened.
This article explores how movements can draw on historical wisdom to navigate modern challenges, from the erosion of reproductive rights to the criminalization of LGBTQ+ identities. By examining the principles of Sankofa, the impact of colonial legacies, and the role of community care in high-risk contexts, we uncover what it means to organize not just for survival but for liberation.
The Power of Sankofa: Learning From the Past to Build the Future
The Akan principle of Sankofa—often symbolized by a bird looking backward while moving forward—serves as a cornerstone for Sekyiamah’s approach to activism. “For me, Sankofa is an act of decolonial reclamation,” she explains. “We must know our histories so that People can actively build on the foundations laid by previous generations of activists to ensure we aren’t constantly reinventing the wheel.”
This philosophy challenges the narrative of colonial erasure, which often portrays pre-colonial societies as lacking agency or resistance. By documenting lived experiences—whether through archives, oral histories, or community spaces—activists create a “floor to stand on, rather than a void to fill.” Sekyiamah’s own work, including her book Seeking Sexual Freedom, exemplifies this effort, centering African voices in conversations about sexuality and autonomy.
Historical examples abound. In Senegal, the traditional Xarxar ceremony—where griots led pre-wedding chants about intimacy—was once a space for sexual education. Colonization and religious influences later suppressed these practices, reducing them to milder, post-marriage rituals. Sekyiamah’s research underscores how reclaiming such traditions can help movements reframe their work as part of a longer, uninterrupted story of resistance.
Colonialism as an “Interruption”: Reclaiming the Timeline
Sekyiamah describes the current moment as an “interruption” rooted in colonial histories. “If we view the colonial project as a permanent state, our organizing becomes defensive,” she says. “But when we name it as an interruption, we reclaim the timeline.” This shift in perspective is transformative. Instead of merely protesting oppressive systems, movements can reimagine their realities and futures from a place of “infinite possibility.”
This framing is particularly relevant in Africa, where colonial borders and languages continue to divide communities. Sekyiamah recalls traveling with a feminist friend from Ghana to Benin, where her friend was moved to hear Ewe—a shared indigenous language—spoken across Togo. “Our existing borders are artificial,” Sekyiamah notes. “Our movements must actively work to dismantle these silos.”
The impact of colonialism extends beyond geography. Puritanical ideas about sex, gender, and women’s roles were imposed alongside political control, displacing more expansive indigenous practices. For example, African Traditional Religions (ATRs) historically held space for gender and sexual diversity, a complexity often erased by colonial narratives. Sekyiamah’s personal journey—from fearing ATRs due to Christian upbringing to recognizing their liberatory potential—illustrates the importance of unlearning colonial conditioning.
Navigating Risk: Community Care and “Liberated Zones”
In contexts where speaking about sexuality carries real danger, movements have developed innovative strategies to protect and empower their communities. “When your very existence and identity carries risk, the act of being ‘fully human’ is an act of defiance,” Sekyiamah says. Beyond mere solidarity, activists are building networks that provide physical, legal, and digital protection.
One key strategy is the creation of “liberated zones”—spaces where marginalized individuals can speak their truths safely while working to shift broader societal norms. Sekyiamah co-organizes sex-positive festivals in Ghana, Kenya, and Benin, offering a model for how community care can coexist with activism. These festivals, along with intimate gatherings like speakeasies, demonstrate the creativity of movements that pivot between public protests and private, subversive spaces.
Legal protections are also critical. In Benin, the recent decision to allow transgender individuals to change gender markers on national IDs—a process confirmed by Human Rights Watch—shows how activists can navigate state systems to secure tangible change. While such victories are rare, they prove that even within oppressive structures, progress is possible.
Shared Struggles and Creative Resistance Across Africa
Despite the diversity of African movements, a shared thread emerges: tireless creativity. Whether protesting finance bills in Kenya, opposing illegal mining (galamsey) in Ghana, or organizing underground festivals, activists adapt their tactics to local contexts while maintaining a broader vision of liberation.
However, colonial infrastructure—such as language barriers between Anglophone and Francophone Africa—continues to pose challenges. Sekyiamah’s travels highlight how artificial borders disrupt solidarity, but they also reveal opportunities for connection. “Our indigenous connections predate and will outlast those interruptions,” she says. Movements must actively bridge these divides to build a more unified front.
One example of cross-border collaboration is the African Feminist Forum, which brings together activists from across the continent to share strategies and amplify their voices. Such initiatives demonstrate how learning from history can inform present-day organizing, fostering resilience in the face of backlash.
Celebrating Wins: Why Small Victories Matter
Amid global setbacks, Sekyiamah emphasizes the importance of celebrating tangible change. “What keeps me going is seeing the ‘interruption’ being actively pushed back,” she says. The Benin gender marker victory is one such moment—a proof that “the future we are building is already here.”
These wins are not just symbolic. They provide a foundation for future movements, offering hope and practical pathways for progress. For activists in hostile environments, such moments serve as reminders that resistance is not futile, even when the odds seem insurmountable.
Key Takeaways for Movements Today
- Learn from history: The principle of Sankofa teaches that movements must build on the past to avoid reinventing the wheel. Archiving and documenting resistance is a political act.
- Reframe colonialism as an interruption: Viewing colonialism as a temporary disruption—rather than a permanent state—allows movements to reclaim agency and reimagine their futures.
- Create “liberated zones”: In high-risk contexts, community care networks and safe spaces are essential for survival and organizing.
- Bridge artificial divides: Colonial borders and language barriers can fragment movements, but shared struggles and indigenous connections offer pathways to unity.
- Celebrate small wins: Tangible victories, like legal gender recognition, provide hope and momentum for broader change.
What’s Next?
As backlash against bodily autonomy intensifies, movements must continue to adapt, drawing on both historical wisdom and modern strategies. The next steps include expanding legal protections, deepening cross-border collaboration, and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. For activists and allies, the call to action is clear: support grassroots organizations, document resistance, and demand accountability from institutions that perpetuate oppression.
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