This study investigates the role of women and gender dynamics in six communities of freedom that constitute the Returned African Diaspora in West Africa after the trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. It argues that women played central and
leadership roles in social organization; cultural reproduction; identity reformulation and the promotion of values of freedom, social justice and equality. With few exceptions, studies of the African Diaspora within Africa have generally
not focused on women or gender dynamics in these pioneer and frontier-like societies where gender definitions tended to be less rigid and gender equality and women’s advancement are best examined within the framework of the struggle for
freedom in general. Case studies include the Americo-Liberians of Liberia; the Tabom of Ghana; the Agudas and Saros of Nigeria; The Aku/Creole of The Gambia and the Krios of Sierra Leone. This book will add to the growing literature
in African Studies, Women’s Studies, Diaspora Studies, the Social Sciences and The Black Atlantic.

“A highly recommended book! Once again Professor Filomina Steady has brought her attentive expertise to a subject in need of her careful scholarly attention.  An intriguing concept studied through the lens of both a Social Anthropologist and an African Feminist, it brings together information and analyses of several groups, some of whom returned to Africa after the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.”

Professor Emerita Stanlie James. Arizona State University

"This is indeed a timely and important intervention written with the usual intellectual rigor and personal engagement of an accomplished and prolific scholar.  Steady should be commended for an ambitious and masterfully executed project that is accessible to specialists in various disciplines; The African Diaspora; Women and Gender Studies and the general audience.”

 Professor N’Dri T. Assié-Lumumba, Cornell University

"Steady’s celebrated scholarship and dedication to gender equality and the empowerment of women are evident. In this tour de force, she gives visibility to women’s contributions to the struggles of the Diaspora returnees who created successful and thriving communities in West Africa, as well as their changing gender roles, courage and agency."

Dr. Leith Dunn,  Fellow, Sociology, University of Botswana and former Senior Lecturer/Head, Institute for Gender and Development Studies, University of the West Indies, Mona.  

Filomina C. Steady is Professor Emerita of Africana Studies at Wellesley College in the United States. She received her Doctorate in social anthropology from Oxford University, England and is the recipient of several awards, including The Otelia Cromwell distinguished alumnae award of Smith College in the United States. She has taught at several universities, including Yale University and the University of Sierra Leone. Dr. Steady has served as Deputy Director of the United Nations’ Division for the Advancement of Women and written several books and articles, including the award-winning book, The Black Woman Cross-Culturally.