Call for Papers - 4th Africa Century International African Writers Conference 2015

This year's theme is Contribution of the African Writer to the Development of the Continent: Inclusion, Equality and Development in African Literature.

Presented by the wRite associates, in partnership with UNISA Institute for African Renaissance Studies. The Conference marks the 23nd anniversary of the OAU- (now-AU) declared International African Writers’ Day (i.e. 7th November). 

The theme is inspired by that of the AU’s 2015: Women’s Empowerment and Development Towards Africa’s Agenda 2063, and 20th anniversary of the Beijing Conference on Women. This prospective historical gathering of authors and literary scholars and historians from across the world, will, as the then-OAU’s Conference of African Ministers of Education and Culture (meeting in Coutonou, Benin, in 1991) resolved, “…afford the African people a moment of pause within which to reflect on the contribution of African Writers to the development of the Continent”.

Areas of inquiry may include, but are not limited to, the following sub-themes:

1. Reconstructs and new constructs of women writers in the development of African literature and society

2. Mainstreaming the women’s voices and representation in African literature, other arts and general discourse

3. Gendered Influence on the Liberation Struggles, Political and Cultural Impact on the Advancement of Women Discourse and Development.

4. Place and role of women literary and other artists:: post-colonial governance during Africa’s Renaissance in the African Century

5. The African Gender Review Mechanism: effective or blunt instrument?

6. Book industry – Women leading the pack?

7. Human rights: Unequal equalities – Sexuality, Health, Social & Class Status Representation & Treatment: a woman’s take

8. Environment and natural resources - how women’s writing is changing the course thereof

Guidelines

Please submit an abstract of not more than 200 words, along with a short biographical note and contact details including, cell, tell and email address to: The Conference Team: info@writeassociates.co.za

Abstract must be sent by email in an MSWord file, in English.

Closing date for submissions: 28th August 2015.

Abstract will be adjudicated anonymously and notification of acceptance will be sent by the 14th September 2015.

For more information on registration, guidelines and logistics details, please visit the website.