Feminism has been misunderstood within social groups. Consequently, the deconstruction of this “phenomenon” has become an urgent need in society. This was the conviction of Panashe Chigamadzi, author of Sweet Medicine, and a Master’s student at Wits University.

On Wednesday 4 May 2016, the University of the Free State Arts and Culture office, in collaboration with Arts Amuse, presented “A conversation and book reading with Panashe Chigumadzi” on the Bloemfontein Campus. The conversation included not only Chigamadzi, who is also the founder and editor of VANGUARD Magazine but also Mosa Leteane, former UFS Student Representative Council president and gender activist; and Rita Chihawa, founder and director of Arts Amuse.

The discussion opened with an extract from Sweet Medicine. The dialogue which followed explored how black women are grappling constantly with negotiating and compromising themselves. “We do not have to settle and downplay our role as a women,” said Chihawa. Leteane agreed, stating that inferiority has always been engrained in women, and the plight of women is not acknowledged.

Current social issues coming to the fore included the protests against the rape culture that have been making headlines. Chigamadzi argues that “We are the women that march in the streets, but are never marched for.”

Feminism was at the core of the conversation, with the audience expressing their views. The panel emphasised that feminism is a work in progress, and that there is no perfect way to be a feminist.

In essence, there is an agreement that feminism is about having a voice and a choice, and coming to respect the way people present themselves.