Women of Wakanda
We are living in a fundamental age of crucial conversations. Conversations that warrant us to challenge dated mindsets around race, gender and sexuality. Social circles and societies at large are being willed to change the standards of ‘social norms’ in exchange for representation and inclusivity. The current #1 movie in the world, Marvel’s Black Panther, directed by Ryan Coogler has been highly praised for its inclusivity and the deconstruction of stereotypes. A reoccurring theme throughout the movie is female representation. Albeit, T’Challa (Black Panther) played by Chadwick Boseman, is the central figure, yet it is impossible to overlook the magnificence of the Women of Wakanda. Throughout the Marvel Universe fans have enjoyed female superheroes, from Black Widow to Mystique to Storm, but the female representation in this modern adaptation of Black Panther breaks new boundaries.
Feminism, a movement and a lifestyle which is often diluted, advocates women being leaders and forerunners. Intelligent, fearless and outspoken women whose presence help tell the full story, without excluding them from any part of it! The beauty of the Black Panther movie was that there was no scramble for power amongst the women; neither was there a single female narrative.
‘There is no one image of what beauty and strength is’ — Chadwick Boseman
Angela Bassett who plays Queen Ramonda, mother to T’Challa, is the matriarch of the family and naturally a voice of reason. Although she is not the biggest female character, her presence alone is a pillar of strength to the King T’Challa. Likewise, Princess Shuri is a fundamental counsellor to the King. As the leading technological innovator of Wakanda, and the youngest female character, her opposition is met in M’Baku. He verbalises his disgust for Shuri by referring to her as a “girl”, demeaning her maturity and capabilities as a female leader. The Marvel comics not only describe Shuri as the smartest person in Wakanda, but in the world. The verbal attack from M’Baku is not far from the opposition that female leaders face on a regular basis. Shuri’s character played by Letitia Wright, symbolises a bridge in the gap of female and BAME representation in the Tech world. Contrary to how women are currently represented, Shuri’s character (and the scenes which show her in the lab), provide the audience with a glimpse into an alternate world where women are leaders in STEM. In a society that presently seeks to close the gender gap and encourage young girls and women to join the world of STEM, Shuri’s character is one that is mandatory to the notion of female representation.
Nakia, played by Lupita Nyong’o, is pivotal to the representation of women in Black Panther. Being both the past and present love interest of T’Challa, one would anticipate that her character be depicted as the damsel in distress or femme fatale. The intrigue of Nakia’s character resides in her rejection of the female stereotypes — in the audience’ first exchange with Nakia she chastises T’Challa for rescuing her. The outright refusal of the damsel in distress label depicts Nakia as a woman who values her independence. There is no one dimension to Nakia, she speaks of innovation and humanitarian outreach; her very nature embodies a passion for social justice.
We cannot speak of the women of Wakanda without acknowledging Ayo (played by Florence Kasumbo) and Okoye, the protector of T’Challa, advisor, and Army General of the all-female Dora Milaje. Okoye displays an undeniable love for her country and King, a patriotism and standard of excellence which is the common standard among the Dora Milaje. Danai Gurira who plays Okoye, brings power and strength to the leadership of her character; this is not a power to be intimidated by, but one of reverence. Okoye is described by Nakia as “The greatest warrior in Wakanda” and is unafraid of revealing her physical strength and prowess, in fact she holds much pride in it. On the topic of women in power, Gurira said;
Wakanda represents a place where these issues don’t exist… if we want to progress, let women be all that they can be. Don’t get in their way — Interview, Sway’s Universe, February 2018
The stereotypes of femininity, particularly Western standards, are not a part of Wakandan society. The movie places emphasis on the women of Wakanda wearing natural hairstyles. This is illustrated in Shuri wearing braids; Queen Ramonda with her hair worn in locs, and natives in Zulu headdress and hair influenced by the Himba tribe of North West Namibia. The significance of these hairstyles highlights the normality of the natural beauty standards for Black women. The contrast of this is seen in one of the fight scenes where Okoye is disguised in a wig to assimilate into the Western environment. The ensuing scenes show Okoye favouring her bald head over the Western wig. Her confidence in her natural appearance is both empowering and admirable.
The Dora Milaje shave their heads and it’s a dishonour for [Okoye] to cover her bald head — Ryan Coogler, Co-writer and Director, Black Panther 2018
Black Panther as a movie does not centre around the sexuality of women and the male gaze. It is refreshing to witness female characters that have sex appeal because of their intellect and power, and not because the focus is on their aesthetics. The Dora Milaje, the female dominated King’s guard wore uniforms that were androgynous, yet with female influences - Their costumes emulate the Maasai people of southern Kenya and northern Tanzania, which allowed the focus to remain on the physical strengths and abilities of the Wakandan warriors. The inspiration of the Dora Milaje stems from the Dahomey Amazons, the most feared women in African history, also known as N’Nonmiton, meaning ‘our mothers’ in Fon, the language of present-day Benin. Like the Dora Milaje, the Dahomay Amazons were all-female African warriors known for their physical strength, merciless combat and decapitating their enemies. The fearless nature of these women drew the attention of the Dahomey King who they became bodyguards to. Their sworn devotion to their King is mirrored in the Dora Milaje whose allegiance is to T’Challa and Wakanda.
The women of Wakanda are not merely a fictional tale, but like many of the comics they create a parallel world of limitless opportunities. A world where men aren’t threatened by powerful, intelligent women. And a world wherein women are not prohibited from reaching their full potential, or used as a tool of pleasure. These are women whose presence brings empowerment, wisdom and excellence. These are the leaders and superheroes that young girls and women need to see more of.
Wakanda Forever.
