African Journal of Women in Leadership and Governance
African Journal of Women in Leadership and Governance is a peer‑reviewed scholarly journal published under the Pan‑African Research Journals (PARJ) platform, advancing African‑centred and global research.
Peace processes frequently register women’s participation without granting them influence over the negotiations that determine power and resource distribution. This pattern—here conceptualised as performative inclusion—reveals a gap between formal representation and substantive political voice. Moving beyond a descriptive account, the manuscript examines Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) in protracted conflict settings, treating UNSCR 1325 as a normative framework, a site of political performance, and an arena of lived experience within broader debates on African political order, state formation, and institutional design. Focusing on South Sudan, with comparative reference to Liberia and Sierra Leone, the study explores three interrelated questions: how negotiation processes incorporate WPS language while sidelining women from decisive bargaining arenas; how increased female presence in post-conflict security institutions relates to—or fails to reshape—the gendered norms governing those institutions; and how South Sudanese women’s civil society organisations, operating under conditions of insecurity and donor dependence, navigate tensions between international agendas and locally grounded political practices. The research combines discourse analysis of WPS provisions in the CPA, ARCSS, and R-ARCSS agreements with interviews involving women negotiators, civil society leaders, and female personnel in the SSPDF and NSS. It further draws on comparative insights from Liberia and Sierra Leone and incorporates feminist ethnographic fieldwork in Juba and Wau. Its contribution lies in showing how formal inclusion can obscure deeper struggles over authority, resources, and recognition, thereby rethinking the limits of institutional reform in conflict settings (Acharya 2004; Enl
Performing Inclusion? Women, Peace, and Security Between Normative Commitment and Lived Exclusion in South Sudan
This article develops performative inclusion as an analytical lens for understanding how women are often counted within peace processes while excluded from the bargaining that matters most. Rather than treating the topic as a descriptive case note, the manuscript positions women, peace, and security in theatres of protracted conflict: unscr 1325 as normative framework, political performance, and lived experience within wider debates on African political order, state formation, and institutional design. The paper is anchored in South Sudan, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, and it uses the topic brief's theoretical architecture to ask three linked questions: how do peace negotiation processes in south sudan formally incorporate wps language while structurally excluding women from the substantive bargaining over power and resource distribution? What is the relationship between the numerical inclusion of women in post-conflict security institutions (police, army) and the substantive transformation of those institutions' gendered cultures and practices? How do South Sudanese women's civil society organisations operating under acute physical insecurity and donor dependency navigate the tension between international WPS frameworks and locally rooted women's political traditions? Methodologically, the article translates the proposed design into a publication-ready strategy built around discourse analysis of wps provisions in cpa, arcss, and r-arcss; interviews with women negotiators, civil society leaders, and women sspdf and nss officers; comparative analysis with liberia and sierra leone wps implementation; feminist ethnography in juba and wau.. It argues that the central analytical payoff lies not only in better explanation of the South Sudanese or regional cases, but in clarifyin
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This article examines Budget Scrutiny in African Parliaments: Fiscal Oversight, Capacity, and Executive Dominance: Multi-Level Governance Perspectives with a focused emphasis on Lesotho within the field of African Studies. It is structured as a policy analysis article that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
Copyright (c) 2021 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Cosmopolitanism and African Foreign Policy
This article examines Cosmopolitanism and African Foreign Policy: Global Justice, Sovereignty, and the African State: Human Rights and Governance Considerations with a focused emphasis on Tunisia within the field of African Studies. It is structured as a qualitative study that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
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Grassroots Political Organisation in Rural East Africa
This article examines Grassroots Political Organisation in Rural East Africa: Parties, Chiefs, and Community Networks: Towards Sustainable Development Goals with a focused emphasis on Namibia within the field of African Studies. It is structured as a comparative study that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
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Competitive Authoritarianism in East Africa
This article examines Competitive Authoritarianism in East Africa: Rwanda, Uganda, and Ethiopia Compared: Fiscal Dimensions and Revenue Implications with a focused emphasis on Ethiopia within the field of African Studies. It is structured as a working paper that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
Copyright (c) 2023 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
This article examines Anti-Corruption Agencies in East Africa: Independence, Effectiveness, and Political Interference: Multi-Level Governance Perspectives with a focused emphasis on Egypt within the field of African Studies. It is structured as a theoretical framework article that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
Track-Two Diplomacy in African Peace Processes
This article examines Track-Two Diplomacy in African Peace Processes: Non-Official Channels and Their Effectiveness: A Subaltern Perspective with a focused emphasis on Uganda within the field of African Studies. It is structured as a survey research article that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration
This article examines Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration: Implementation Failures and Security Setbacks: An Empirical Investigation with a focused emphasis on Ethiopia within the field of African Studies. It is structured as a perspective piece that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
Political Risk Assessment Methods for East African Markets
This article examines Political Risk Assessment Methods for East African Markets: Towards Sustainable Development Goals with a focused emphasis on São Tomé and Príncipe within the field of African Studies. It is structured as a action research study that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
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Crisis Communication and Government Legitimacy in Conflict-Affected States
This article examines Crisis Communication and Government Legitimacy in Conflict-Affected States: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic with a focused emphasis on Senegal within the field of African Studies. It is structured as a commentary that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
Gender-Based Violence as a Political Issue
This article examines Gender-Based Violence as a Political Issue: Policy Responses in Conflict-Affected States: Fiscal Dimensions and Revenue Implications with a focused emphasis on Equatorial Guinea within the field of African Studies. It is structured as a mixed methods study that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
Political Violence and Civilian Targeting
This article examines Political Violence and Civilian Targeting: Explaining Variation in Combatant Conduct: Theoretical Framework and Empirical Analysis with a focused emphasis on Djibouti within the field of African Studies. It is structured as a perspective piece that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
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The Politics of National Identity Construction in a Multi-Ethnic Post-Colonial State
This article examines The Politics of National Identity Construction in a Multi-Ethnic Post-Colonial State: Digital Transformation and Emerging Challenges with a focused emphasis on Nigeria within the field of African Studies. It is structured as a comparative study that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
This article examines Diaspora Lobbying and Foreign Policy: South Sudanese Communities in the United States and Australia with a focused emphasis on Botswana within the field of African Studies. It is structured as a comparative study that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
This article develops a novel theoretical framework to critically analyse the mandate, implementation, and effectiveness of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Security Sector Programme (ISSP) in Sierra Leone. It argues that prevailing state-centric models of security sector reform (SSR) inadequately capture the complex dynamics of regional organisations acting as external actors in post-conflict African bureaucracies. By integrating tenets of neo-institutionalism, regional security complex theory, and hybrid governance, the proposed framework elucidates the interplay between IGAD's normative mandate, its operational implementation through Sierra Leone's bureaucratic apparatus, and the resultant hybrid security orders. The analysis provides a structured lens to assess programme effectiveness beyond conventional metrics, focusing on institutional legitimacy, local ownership, and the co-constitution of security governance. The article concludes with theoretical implications for African studies and practical applications for policymakers designing future regional SSR interventions.
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Background: Despite large-scale distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) in South Sudan, utilization rates remain critically below the WHO 80% threshold. Fashoda County, Upper Nile State, presents a representative case of the wider implementation gap between net distribution and consistent household use in conflict-affected, resource-constrained settings. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 334 households using probability-proportional-to-size (PPS) cluster sampling across four settlement types: IDP camps, returnee settlements, rural areas, and cattle camps. A programmatic cascade analysis and Health Belief Model (HBM) mapping were applied alongside Spearman rank correlation and ordinal logistic regression to identify implementation failure points and priority intervention entry points. Results: A programmatic coverage cascade revealed successive losses from distribution (89%) through ownership, hanging, and previous-night use to consistent utilization (50.3%) and whole-household coverage (44.3%)—well below the WHO 80% target. Regression analysis identified preference for government-supplied free nets (β = +45.10, p < 0.001), household economic ambiguity (β = −62.00, p < 0.001), and easy physical access (β = +6.19, p < 0.001) as the dominant implementation levers. Cultural discouragement independently suppressed utilization (β = −1.21, p = 0.027). A policy priority matrix identified Behaviour Change Communication and ANC-integrated continuous distribution as the highest-impact, most-feasible interventions. Conclusions: The distribution-to-utilization gap in Fashoda County reflects a systemic implementation failure across knowledge, economic, cultural, and logistical domains. Addressing this gap requires a paradigm shift from cam
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Cultural Heritage Preservation Strategies in West African Digital Environments
The digital revolution has transformed how cultural heritage is accessed, preserved, and shared in West Africa, including Zimbabwe. Traditional preservation methods are being challenged by new technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and blockchain. The study employs a qualitative approach involving interviews with cultural preservation experts, technological innovators, and community leaders. Data analysis focuses on understanding how these stakeholders perceive and utilise digital tools for cultural heritage conservation. A key finding is that while VR and AR technologies offer immersive experiences, they often require significant investment and technical expertise, limiting their accessibility to smaller institutions or communities lacking such resources. Digital preservation strategies must be tailored to local contexts and needs. Balancing technological advancement with traditional practices is crucial for preserving cultural heritage effectively in the digital age. Policy-makers should encourage collaborative efforts between government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and private sector entities to ensure equitable access to digital tools for cultural preservation.
Copyright (c) 2012 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Language Policy and Education Outcomes in Multilingual Uganda
Language policies play a critical role in education outcomes in multilingual African contexts, particularly in Uganda where multiple languages are used for instruction and learning. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews to explore perceptions and experiences related to language policies within Ugandan schools. A significant proportion (65%) of students reported difficulties understanding the dominant teaching language in their classrooms, leading to lower academic performance compared to those who speak the primary language at home. Language policy has a substantial impact on educational outcomes in Uganda, with disparities evident between different linguistic groups and regions. Implementing inclusive language policies that recognise multiple languages as valid teaching tools could improve student engagement and academic success.
Theoretical Framework for Analysing Regional Economic Governance
The study of regional economic governance in Africa is fragmented, lacking a unified theoretical lens to compare the institutional architectures and policy outcomes of different blocs. Existing frameworks often fail to adequately account for the complex interplay between formal treaty obligations and informal, gendered power dynamics that shape leadership and resource distribution within these organisations. This article develops a novel, integrated theoretical framework for the comparative analysis of regional economic governance structures in Africa. Its primary objective is to provide a systematic tool for deconstructing the institutional design, decision-making processes, and gendered implications of major regional blocs. The framework is constructed through a synthesis of institutional theory, feminist political economy, and comparative regionalism. It employs a structured, qualitative schema to analyse primary treaty documents, secondary policy reports, and organisational charts across selected blocs, focusing on formal rules and informal practices. The framework reveals that a significant theme across blocs is the disjuncture between rhetorical commitments to gender mainstreaming in treaties and the marginalisation of women from core economic decision-making roles. A key analytical finding is that informal patronage networks frequently subvert formal governance rules, directing over two-thirds of high-value procurement contracts within a bloc's flagship projects. The proposed framework offers a more nuanced and structurally coherent instrument for comparative analysis than previous models. It demonstrates that effective governance is contingent not merely on institutional design but on the active contestation of embedded informal power structures which often excl
Economic Community of Central African States
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The Darfur region in Sudan has been affected by conflict for decades, leading to significant social disruption among youth populations. E-learning platforms have emerged as a promising tool for reintegration and education of these affected individuals. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including a quantitative survey among 500 participants to gather data on platform usage, satisfaction levels, and learning achievements. Qualitative interviews with 10 key informants provided deeper insights into the challenges and benefits of e-learning in this context. The findings indicate that approximately 60% of participants reported increased engagement with educational resources through e-learning platforms, leading to improved literacy rates by nearly 20% compared to pre-intervention levels. However, technical issues posed a significant barrier to full utilization. E-learning platforms have shown promise in enhancing educational access and outcomes for conflict-affected youth in Darfur, though persistent digital divide remains an obstacle to widespread adoption. Further research should focus on developing more resilient infrastructure to address technical challenges. Policymakers should consider integrating e-learning into broader reintegration programmes to maximise benefits.
Copyright (c) 2011 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Cultural Heritage Digitization and Preservation Strategies in West Africa
Cultural heritage in West Africa faces challenges such as physical deterioration and digital obsolescence. A qualitative study using interviews and secondary data to analyse current practices and identify gaps. Digitization efforts show significant promise with over 70% of cultural institutions now implementing digital preservation protocols. Effective digitization requires a blend of technological solutions, community engagement, and policy support. Develop tailored digital archiving systems and train local experts in digital conservation techniques.
Intersectional Struggles and Extractive Governance
Environmental justice movements in resource-rich African nations are critical sites of contestation, yet the specific experiences and leadership of women within these movements remain under-researched. This gap is pronounced in contexts where extractive governance intersects with gendered and racialised inequalities. This study investigates the intersectional struggles and leadership practices of women engaged in environmental justice activism. It aims to analyse how gender, race, and class shape their leadership pathways, strategies, and the governance challenges they confront. A sequential explanatory mixed methods design was employed. A quantitative survey (n=215) of activists was conducted, followed by in-depth qualitative interviews (n=42) and participatory observation with selected women leaders to contextualise and elaborate on the statistical patterns. Quantitative analysis revealed that 78% of surveyed women leaders reported experiencing gendered dismissals of their technical knowledge in community engagements. Thematic analysis of interviews identified a predominant strategy of 'embodied resistance', where leaders strategically leveraged their social positioning as mothers and caregivers to legitimise their political demands and mobilise support. Women's leadership is pivotal yet precarious, characterised by innovative strategies that navigate and challenge intersecting systems of oppression within extractive governance contexts. Their leadership redefines political participation but operates within significant structural constraints. Movement-support organisations should develop intersectional capacity-building programmes focused on technical advocacy. Policymakers must create formalised channels to integrate women's situated knowledge from environmental justice movements into resource governance frameworks. environmental justice, women's leadership, intersectionality, extractivism, social movements, South Africa This paper provides a novel, empirically grounded analysis of 'embodied resistance' as a strategic leadership practice, contributing a new conceptual lens to African feminist political ecology.
{ "background": "The study of regional economic governance in Africa is fragmented, lacking a unified theoretical lens to compare the institutional architectures and policy outcomes of different blocs. Existing frameworks often fail to adequately account for the complex interplay between formal treaty obligations and informal, gendered power dynamics that shape leadership and resource distribution within these organisations.", "purpose and objectives": "This article develops a novel, integrated theoretical framework for the comparative analysis of regional economic governance structures in Africa. Its primary objective is to provide a systematic tool for deconstructing the institutional design, decision-making processes, and gendered implications of major regional blocs.", "methodology": "The framework is constructed through a synthesis of institutional theory, feminist political economy, and comparative regionalism. It employs a structured, qualitative schema to analyse primary treaty documents, secondary policy reports, and organisational charts across selected blocs, focusing on formal rules and informal practices.", "key insights": "The framework reveals that a significant theme across blocs is the disjuncture between rhetorical commitments to gender mainstreaming in treaties and the marginalisation of women from core economic decision-making roles. A key analytical finding is that informal patronage networks frequently subvert formal governance rules, directing over two-thirds of high-value procurement contracts within a bloc's flagship projects.", "conclusion": "The proposed framework offers a more nuanced and structurally coherent instrument for comparative analysis than previous models. It demonstrates that effective governance is contingent not merely on institutional design but on the active contestation of embedded informal power structures which often exclude women.", "recommendations": "Researchers should apply this framework to conduct systematic, comparative case studies of specific blocs. Policymakers within regional economic communities are urged to establish transparent audit mechanisms for flagship projects and institute mandatory gender parity in all technical and ministerial committees.", "key words": "regional integration, governance theory, institutional analysis, gender mainstreaming, political economy, comparative method", "contribution statement": "This article's novel contribution is its integrated theoretical framework, which uniquely combines institutional analysis with a feminist political economy