You are getting mixed up because of the ways people use various words in writing papers... it's going to be okay!
Here is a topic/theme:
the portrayal of women and race issues in the Mozambican Colonial War
First of all, the portrayal of women by who? Here is a good title
African Women's Writing:
Their portrayal of women and race issues during the Mozambican Colonial War
Now, for the specific research question, here is what to do:
Find a couple of books and articles that you'll write about,(or if you are using a course text book, find a few sections of it that you'll write about,and see what specific questions are answered.
for example:
What was the effect of the war on gender roles?
What changes took place during the war with regard to racial issues?
How did African women perceive themselves in relation to [some other group] during the war?
Kevin, EssayForum.com