The Joan Gett Phenomenon: Uncovering the Fascinating True Story of Nuns and Colonialism in Africa

The story of Joan Gett is one that has captivated historians, anthropologists, and the general public for decades, offering a unique glimpse into the complexities of colonialism in Africa. Born in 1829, Gett was a British woman who travelled to Africa and became the leader of a group of nuns in MG Angela Mission in present-day Ivory Coast. Her life and legacy have been the subject of much scrutiny and debate, raising questions about the intersection of colonialism, Christianity, and feminism in the 19th century. This article delves into the fascinating true story of Joan Gett, exploring her backstory, her time in Africa, and the impact of her work.

Joan Gett's story is a complex and multifaceted one, filled with drama, controversy, and unexpected twists. At the heart of it all, however, lies a woman who was determined to make a difference in the lives of the people she encountered in Africa. From her early days as a nun, to her experiences in Africa, and the controversy surrounding her leadership, Gett's story has captured the imagination of many. What follows is an in-depth exploration of the life and legacy of Joan Gett, shedding light on the historical context of colonialism and the way it shaped the lives of all individuals involved.

The Early Life and Backstory of Joan Gett

Born in 1829 in England, Joan Gett was raised in a devout Christian household and was educated by the Church. At a young age, she was drawn to the idea of missionary work and, in 1868, she joined the Society of the Holy Child Jesus, a Catholic congregation founded by Mother Claudine Thévenet. As a member of the congregation, Gett underwent rigorous training and education, preparing her for her future mission in Africa. During this time, she also became interested in the work of the Sisters of the Holy Rosary, a group of Catholic nuns who were working in West Africa. Inspired by the work of these sisters, Gett became determined to join them in Africa, setting the stage for her eventual journey to the continent.

The Journey to Africa and Initial Years in the Mission

In 1884, Gett arrived in Ivory Coast and was assigned to the MG Angela Mission in the town of Yamoussoukro. The mission was home to the Sisters of the Holy Rosary, and they welcomed Gett warmly into their community. During her early years at the mission, Gett worked tirelessly alongside the sisters, teaching and caring for the local population. However, her time in Africa was not without its challenges. The colonial powers of France had recently occupied the region, and tensions between the local population and the French were running high. Gett, who had come to Africa with a strong commitment to the Catholic faith, found herself struggling with the colonial reality. As she described in her own letters, she was torn between her desire to spread the gospel and the frustration she felt with the colonial powers, whom she saw as reluctant to support the mission.

One of the primary goals of the Catholic Church in Africa was to spread Christianity to the local population. However, the colonial powers saw this as a means to control and civilise the land and its people. This tension between the two led to a lot of resistance from the native communities, some who refused to accept colonisation. In a letter to her congregation, Gett wrote "We must do better than merely to wait for the whites to bring us civilization; no, we must build up a church and school which shall be our own, where our people can develop along their own lines."

The Leadership of Joan Gett and the MG Angela Mission

Over time, Gett emerged as a leader at the MG Angela Mission, taking charge of the local school and other community projects. Her charisma and passion for the local culture earned her the respect and admiration of the native population. Gett also took an active role in mediating between the local population and the French authorities, often intervening on behalf of the people when their rights were being trampled. According to accounts from the community, she was particularly concerned with the impact of colonialism on the native women, advocating for their rights and protection.

Despite these commendable efforts, Gett's leadership was not without controversy. Unlike most of the other nuns, she had an openly flirtatious relationship with the local men. This was frowned upon by other members of the mission and was seen as a test of her abstinence as an attached nun. Her actions, however legally ambiguous, placed her at a crossroads between the restrictions of her vows and her commitment to her local congregation. An issue that arose from this controversy was her cohabitation within a local chiefs household, raising questions about Gett’s appropriateness as a superior nun.

The Legacy and Lasting Impact of Joan Gett

Joan Gett's impact on the MG Angela Mission and the local community cannot be overstated. Her leadership, determination, and relationships helped the mission to flourish, and she was celebrated for her commitment to the local people and culture. Sadly, Gett's life story ends abruptly in the midst of this notable achievement, after she passed away in 1926. Her inpact on the community however continued, leaving a lasting legacy that can still be seen today.

Her methods were far from conventional, but her results show the profound ability she had with building lasting relationships with the a group that may have considered as 'undesirable' back then, but helped redeemed her en route to becoming an esteemed legend in her death. As discussed earlier, one of the greatest aspects of this case is that some would not consider it pivotal in highlighting very subtly the attainable potentiality for reform, engulfing independence of misguided opression that fuelled such opinions all over the continent.