The self-writing of Guinean female bodies-voices

Abstract

This article sought to present, through narratives produced in Guinea-Bissau, a space to
discuss and reflect on the relationships between literary knowledge constructed with an
emphasis on productions created by women, especially Odete Semedo and Domingas Samy.
Odete Semedo is a poet active in issues related to female otherness, the country's political life,
and the rights of Guinean women. Domingas Samy also turns her attention to female
otherness and the traditions of the Guinean people. She was the pioneer of having published
the first prose work in Guinea-Bissau – the book of short stories A escola, in 1993, drawing
attention to issues such as Portuguese colonialism and arranged marriages. The narratives of
Guinean women writers help us reflect on the fact that literature, politics, and human rights
can be considered together, especially when it comes to literature produced in former African
colonies under the rubric of black women.