Sarcouncil Journal of Humanities and Cultural Studies

Abstract: This study examines the representation of women in the Netflix–UNESCO anthology African Folktales Reimagined, exploring how female characters challenge or reinforce traditional gender norms across diverse African cultures. Anchored in the theoretical framework of African Feminism, the paper situates women’s portrayals within indigenous cultural contexts rather than Western feminist paradigms. Through qualitative content analysis of six short films from Kenya, Mauritania, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda, the research reveals that women in the series transcend stereotypes of passivity and dependence. Characters such as Katera, Halima, and Katope embody agency, resilience, and moral strength, while narratives like Anyango and the Ogre and MaMlambo foreground the intersection of gender, class, and trauma. The study identifies recurring themes of women as fighters, non-conformists, protectors, heroes, and sources of refuge. These roles emphasize that empowerment in African storytelling derives from communal responsibility and emotional endurance rooted in African traditions. Ultimately, the analysis demonstrates that African Folktales Reimagined redefines African womanhood by reclaiming indigenous feminist values, confronting patriarchal narratives, and illuminating women’s vital roles in shaping cultural identity and social transformation across the continent.