Consolidating the Impact of African Women in International Relations and Peace Studies

Abstract

African women make diverse substantial contributions to International Relations and Peace Studies. Their works as peace activists, diplomats, researchers, and advocates have improved our knowledge of conflict resolution and human security. By emphasising individual experiences and viewpoints in our understanding of global challenges, we may create more effective strategies for advancing global peace and equality. This paper’s objective is to raise awareness on the contributions of African women with a view to providing new frameworks for analysis, developing collaborative networks and offering actionable policy recommendations. It argues that although African women's contributions to International Relations (IR) and Peace and Conflict Studies (PCS) are phenomenal, their inputs have received little recognition in recent years. African women have been actively or indirectly involved in conflicts throughout history, serving as combatants, spies, couriers, sex slaves, brides, and mothers. Nonetheless, African women continue to suffer gender hurdles and subjugation, which appear to have belittled or sullied their illustrious achievements. Using a desktop research approach, this work aims to recognise and celebrate the tremendous contributions made by African women researchers in shaping International Relations, Peace Studies, and Conflict Resolution initiatives throughout the world. Despite past gains and developments, African women continue to confront diverse hurdles and impediments. This paper concludes that there is need to continue highlighting and accentuating the plight of women, particularly the predicament of African women, for their utmost liberation and development; and that African women's movements should continue to pressurise national and regional bodies to put a priority on ensuring gender equity, in order to increase and intensify women's participation in the decision-making process and economic development efforts.