Deneocoloniality and Gender Studies

This chapter investigates the concept of deneocoloniality through the lens of Gender Studies. Deneocoloniality critiques the lingering effects of colonialism beyond formal independence, highlighting the persistent power structures and hierarchies that continue to disadvantage formerly colonized nations. Gender studies with its focus on power dynamics and social inequalities provides a fertile ground to explore how neocolonial forces manifest and impact gender relations in Africa. Moving beyond traditional Western feminist frameworks, the chapter utilizes an Afrocentric theoretical lens. This approach emphasizes the agency of African women, recognizes the precolonial existence of diverse gender systems, and centers the analysis on the specific historical and cultural contexts of the continent. By employing concepts like womanism and Ubuntu, the chapter reveals how neocolonial forces intersect with preexisting patriarchal structures, shaping contemporary gender roles, economic inequalities, and political participation in Africa. The chapter aims to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of gender in a neocolonial world. Thus, by foregrounding African feminist theories, it decenters Western perspectives and illuminates the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women in the continent. This exploration therefore offers insights for dismantling the legacies of colonialism and neocolonialism within gender studies, paving the way for a more just and equitable future for African women.