An Efficient Womanhood

Founded in 1914 by Amy Ashwood and Marcus Garvey, the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League (commonly called the UNIA) grew into one of the largest social justice organizations of the twentieth century. Natanya Duncan’s collective biography explores women’s role in building the UNIA and how Ashwood’s strategy of efficient womanhood equipped them to confront political and social issues--even when it meant defying gender norms. Efficient womanhood took a three-tiered approach that asked UNIA women to seek equitable partners, take on roles as mentors, and connect resources and people to their communities and Black people at large. Strong believers in the necessity of their presence and voices, UNIA women developed leadership skills within and beyond the organization and used these skills in service to their communities.

Enlightening and in-depth, An Efficient Womanhood tells the story of the women who shaped a framework for leadership and engagement that remains a blueprint for activists today.