SEXTANT: masculinities, sexualities & decolonialities

ABSTRACT

This article examines the notion of global sisterhood as it is used in white feminism. White perceptions of gender equality are applied universally in feminist movements. This dominance leads to a subordination of gender equality concepts that differ from white ideas and practices. Nevertheless, the notion of a shared sisterhood indicates unlimited solidarity between women based on their womanhood, regardless of particular contexts. Therefore, this paper aims to examine how white feminists can support endeavours of decolonising the concept of global sisterhood. Subsequently, white hegemony and decolonial shifts in feminist discourses are explored. These critical discussions on white feminism are closely linked to reflections on the sisterhood narrative. Issues of exclusiveness, linguistic appropriation and the idea of shared oppression contribute to the problematic nature of this concept. To offer an alternative concept to sisterhood, Mohanty’s framework of feminism without borders is introduced. This research addresses white feminists and calls for critical self-reflection on privilege and whiteness as well as diversification of knowledge production.

KEY WOrDS

Sisterhood; Decolonisation; Feminism; White feminism; Self-reflection

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