Examine the ways in which colonialism changed the role and status of women in Africa.

Candidates will consider the interrelationship between colonialism and the changing role and status of women in Africa. Candidates may consider the positive and the negative changes, social, economic and political changes or alternatively look at the long- short-term changes to the role and status of women in Africa. Focus may be on the ways in which the economic and educational prospects of women were altered by colonialism and/or on how colonialism effected changes to their social status, including the abolition of traditional practices such as polygamy. Candidates may challenge the assumption in the question that change occurred and they may stress that there were elements of continuity in the female experience. Nevertheless, emphasis should be on change. While other—relevant—interrelationships may be considered, the bulk of the response will remain on that raised in the question.