I feel like a lot of African women believe that Feminism is unnecessary because of 2 things.

1. The advancements that now allow many upper-class women the choice to work, be educated, marry their choice of upwardly mobile man, and procure family planning options (legally or illegally). We can’t remember a time when we didn’t have these privileges so we assume that the battle has been won.
2. Strong cultural roles based on gender. Many people believe that feminism is taking away a mans role and “being the man” which is ridiculous. African society has distinct roles that both men and women fight to preserve even when they disadvantage women. There is a way to reconcile these roles within an equitable framework but people don’t want men to give up their power and privilege and this is the problem. If you keep your own name you’re not robbing your husband of power and you can show public “respect” to him in other ways that don’t necessitate having his name. We have a long way to go.