The name is absent

Thus, even though women were defined and redefined on paper over time by
others and for others, they were not limited by these definitions.

The Gender-to-Mau Mau Oath Relationship

What was the gendered nature of Mau Mau? It was a new connection that
permitted and included women in the sacred oath ceremonies, which was a
space reserved for men only prior to Mau Mau. How did it impact women? This
new relationship impacted women by giving them new freedoms and
empowering them to have more control Oftheirfuture in Kenya. How did it impact
men? The new relationship forced men to acknowledge the unique gifts and
contributions women could make in the movement. The inclusion of women,
symbolized that men had also changed over the years in allowing women to
participate in the important movement. These are all important questions that
help in understanding the nature of this new relationship. However, the next few
sections will focus on the question, how did the relationship to women impact the
oath?

The inclusion of women in the oathing ceremony was a new relationship
that helped to radicalize the oath. As mentioned in the detailed analysis of the
oath model, unity, secrecy, and allegiance were important dimensions to the
association. The inclusion of women broadened unity and strengthened bonds
across gender lines. Women created a new type of oath by opening up new
gendered spaces that were not needed or available in pre-colonial oathing.

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