7. Gender, an Ecological Challenge to Peace in the Anthropocene: An African Perspective

Gender plays a critical role in shaping the world around us, but gender issues remain a challenge in Africa. The way men and women are situated in society describes the kinds of roles performed by these groups, especially in the African context. Existing power asymmetries lead to society being structured in a manner that reinforces and perpetuates the situation of men and women. Although men and women assume different roles in the use, management, and conservation of the environment, women assume and play a critical role due to their close contact with the environment. Their daily activities expose them to the dangers of environmental health hazards and suffer the greatest brunt from climate change, thereby threatening their security. This chapter seeks to explore the role that gender plays in environmental peace from an African perspective. It is based on the analysis of available literature on gender, climate change, and the environment. It is inevitable that for a long-time, women in Africa have been negated in decision-making and in top positions regarding environmental matters. Efforts and policies to incorporate and integrate women in environmental issues have remained superficial. A feminist view is key to integrating women’s participation in environmental peace. Detrimental effects felt by women can be dealt with, thus empowering them to cope with the adversities of the environment. In Africa, a gender lens may be the option to realise substantive, active participation, and representation of women in environmental peace, but the commitment and political will of governments remain integral in addressing this critical issue.