GENDER ISSUE

At its most basic level, gender refers to the classification of human beings into male and female. Yet, the moment the discussion shifts from mere classification to gender discrimination, the spotlight almost instinctively turns toward women. This is because historically and socially, gender discourse has been framed in a way that elevates men as dominant and authoritative, while women are subtly or sometimes overtly portrayed as subordinate and dependent. It is within this context that women’s marginalization emerges, particularly in African societies, where women are often excluded from political participation, decision-making and public life.

Women’s marginalization can therefore be understood as the systematic exclusion or restriction of women from spaces of influence, power and recognition. This exclusion is most evident in contemporary African politics, governance and socio-economic structures. However, this long-standing perception has not gone unchallenged. Critics argue, that women are in no way intellectually, morally, or physically inferior to men. A popular saying captures this resistance succinctly: “What a man can do, a woman can do even better.” This counter-narrative has ignited intense debates, academic disagreements and what may best be described as intellectual turbulence among scholars across disciplines.

Reasons for the Marginalization of Women

1. Cultural and Traditional Beliefs

African traditional norms have played a significant role in shaping gender relations. In many cultures, women are socialized to remain silent in the presence of men, discouraged from questioning authority and expected to display submission as a virtue. Leadership is culturally masculinized, men are seen as natural leaders, while women are expected to follow. Marriage further entrenches this imbalance. While men are socially permitted and sometimes encouraged to marry multiple wives, women are denied such autonomy. Consequently, women are often perceived not as partners but as possessions, an assets that can be controlled, transferred, or discarded at will.

To that extent, the modern era has begun to challenge these rigid norms. The rise of feminist movements and the advocacy for women’s rights, popularly termed women’s emancipation have started to dismantle these deep-seated cultural barriers, though not without resistance.

2. Religious Ideology

Religion, much like culture, has significantly influenced gender dynamics in Africa. Christianity and Islam, the two dominant religions across the continent, have often been interpreted in ways that reinforce male dominance. Scriptural interpretations suggesting that woman was created from the rib of man, or that man is the “head” of the woman, have been used to justify women’s exclusion from leadership roles. Although alternative interpretations exist, conservative religious doctrines have historically discouraged women from asserting themselves as equals to men in both private and public spheres.

3. Family Structure and Domestic Expectations

Within the African household, women are frequently regarded as the custodians of life, caretakers, nurturers and homemakers. While these roles are not inherently demeaning, they become restrictive when imposed as the only acceptable identity for women. Many men confine their wives to domestic spaces, even when those women possess advanced education or professional qualifications. The home thus becomes both a place of belonging and a site of limitation.

4. Economic and Institutional Discrimination

Economic inequality further compounds women’s marginalization. In sectors such as the military and security services, women face structural barriers that limit how far they can rise. There are ranks and responsibilities deemed unsuitable for women, often without rational justification. Additionally, women are typically excluded from frontline combat roles, reinforcing the perception that they are less capable or resilient than men.

5. Male Chauvinism

At the psychological level, male chauvinism remains a powerful force. Many men, consciously or unconsciously, harbor a sense of superiority over women. This attitude is rooted in long-standing social conditioning that equates masculinity with strength, intelligence and authority, while associating femininity with weakness and dependence. Such beliefs persist even in the absence of empirical evidence.

6. Financial Constraints and Political Exclusion

Politics in Africa is notoriously capital-intensive. Campaigns require substantial financial investment and political influence is often bought rather than earned. Many women lack access to such financial resources, making political participation difficult. Beyond finances, there is also the issue of obedience and legitimacy. Male followers frequently resist female leadership, driven by ego, pride and ingrained gender bias. This resistance persists even when women demonstrate superior competence and integrity.

7. Social Vulnerability and Gendered Consequences

Socially, women bear a disproportionate burden of societal vices. They are more vulnerable to rape, sexual exploitation, unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS. Although moral responsibility in such cases is shared, societal judgment is not. When pregnancy occurs outside marriage, the woman alone carries the physical burden and the social stigma. The man often escapes accountability. In cases involving multiple sexual partners, the woman is further condemned, leaving her isolated and defenseless in the face of public scorn.

However, despite these layers of discrimination, history and experience consistently prove that women are in no way inferior to men. On the contrary, women have demonstrated remarkable leadership, resilience and innovation across time and space. Figures such as Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Margaret Thatcher, and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf stand as powerful testaments to women’s capacity to lead, inspire and transform societies.

Extrapolating from the above, some male scholars contend that women are not truly marginalized but are instead hindered by an internalized sense of inferiority. According to this view, women’s perception of exclusion stems more from psychological barriers than structural ones. While this argument remains controversial, it highlights the complex interplay between societal constraints and self-perception.

In conclusion, the issue is not that women lack productivity, intelligence, or ambition. Rather, many women consciously choose submission within marriage and family life, often allowing their achievements and wealth to be subsumed under their husbands’ identities. This voluntary invisibility, combined with systemic discrimination, reinforces the illusion that women are less impactful. The challenge, therefore, lies not only in dismantling external barriers but also in redefining internal narratives about power, worth and identity.