Throughout the contemporary Francophone world, numerous women and women’s groups have emerged in activist and leadership roles: promoting social agendas, demanding freedom and equality, helping topple repressive regimes, and responding to a range of crises and conflicts. From issues of anti-colonialism and nationalism to gender rights, educational and economic equity and more, women activists have played a critical role in shaping their societies. Furthermore, women’s activism has manifested throughout the transnational community and the French/Francophone diaspora.

FRLA 8426 A offers directed projects and analytical tools with which students can question, unpack and evaluate the contexts for women’s grassroots activist movements and rising leaders, the issues addressed, end goals, strategies employed, and outcomes achieved.