This entry traces women's contributions to Muslim African societies during the colonial period that generally lasted from the 1890s to 1960.

The history of Islam in colonial Sub-Saharan Africa is often depicted through men's participation in trade routes and Sufi orders. There has been little mention of women in culture or politics. While Islam expanded and changed during European colonial administration, local historical processes and colonial policies de-emphasized gender and women's roles. Yet Muslim African wome…