Women as witches: Witchcraft, oppression and empowerment (800BCE-1990AD)

<p dir="ltr">This thesis will explore the repetition of the use of the word witch throughout history to further oppress women and other marginalised communities in a continuously male dominated society. I cover multiple continents and time periods where witches were a legitimate fear, but witchcraft allegations had resulted in the deaths of many innocent women, children and people of colour. I discuss the official definitions of the words witch, witchcraft and woman which harbour misogynistic undertones. I delve deep into the extremely racist and misogynistic points in history where witch allegations were an excuse for mass femicide in events such as The Salem Witch Trails (1692-1693), and the enslavement and attempted elimination of West African tribes with alternative religious beliefs (1700s). Christianity’s role in this is tremendously shocking to a baptised Catholic like myself. The overruling of Christianity over many religions such as VooDoo and Paganism was successful through satanising their beliefs and eliminating any non-believers of Christianity. Concluding with the prominent female figures in history who turned the oppressive title of the witch to one of Empowerment through protesting for our rights or shamelessly presenting as a strong powerful woman in times where women were incredibly oppressed. This thesis aims to bring these issues to light, eliminate any misunderstandings towards non-traditional religions and to highlight the very important issue of systemic oppression, femicide and the demonisation of powerful women.</p>