Rethinking Security in Africa: A Critical Feminist Approach
This paper critically examines the intersection of critical feminist theory and security studies, exploring its potential Tto address pressing security challenges in Africa. By drawing on the philosophical foundations of critical theory, such as the works of Hegel, Karl Marx and particularly the works of Jürgen Habermas on cognitive concepts of interest, this research investigates the adoption of critical feminist approaches to security scholarship, discourse, and praxis. Using critical analysis and phenomenological methodology, this study highlights the successes and challenges of liberal feminists' engagement with critical theory in the international security sphere. The paper's key contribution lies in its assessment of the applicability of critical feminist security approaches to the African context, and its quest to answer the question, can critical feminist approaches to security provide a nuanced understanding of security challenges in Africa and inform effective solutions? The paper also provides recommendations for a gendered security scholarship and praxis to mitigate local and international security challenges and promote sustainable peace and development.
Keywords: africa, approach, critical, feminist, rethinking, security