Multiculturalism’s Policy Against Patriarchal Culture: Women’s Silence and Oppression in Africa

Imagine the life of a young girl, barely 12 years old, waking up to a day that will change the course of her life forever. Her body is not her own, but a prize that someone else will claim. In the rural village where she lives, her future is already mapped out—not by her dreams, but by the suffocating grip of tradition. A tradition that values her for her fertility, her obedience, her silence. She is forced into a marriage, a violation of her basic human rights. Her cries for help are swallowed by the thick silence of her community. She does not have the luxury of self-determination. Her voice is not heard. Her story is not told. She is one of millions of African girls who endure the same fate, hidden in plain sight.

This is not a story of a distant past, nor is it an isolated tragedy. It is the reality for countless women and girls across the African continent today. From the Sahel to Southern Africa, from East Africa to the Horn, African women are subjected to a culture of silence and oppression, where patriarchal practices are normalized, and their voices are systematically silenced by systems that prioritize tradition over their rights. While multiculturalism, celebrated as a policy to preserve cultural heritage, promises inclusivity, it has often failed to protect the rights of these women. Instead, it perpetuates systems of control and violence.

This article is a call to action—a demand to dismantle the systems that oppress African women. It is an examination of the collision between patriarchal culture and multiculturalism, where women are left to weather the storm of oppression in isolation. We cannot turn a blind eye to this any longer. The truth must be told. The silence must end.

Understanding Multiculturalism in the African Context

Multiculturalism in Africa refers to the coexistence of diverse cultural, ethnic, and religious groups within a society. In theory, it promotes inclusivity and respect for cultural differences. However, in practice, it can inadvertently uphold patriarchal structures that discriminate against women. Balancing cultural preservation with the enforcement of universal human rights remains a complex challenge. As such, multiculturalism often becomes a tool for the continuation of harmful traditions that oppress women.

While respect for culture is important, it must not come at the cost of fundamental human rights. The rights of women, particularly the most vulnerable, should not be sacrificed in the name of cultural preservation.

Historical and Contemporary Instances of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Africa

A. Historical Events

• Rwandan Genocide (1994): During the genocide, sexual violence was systematically used as a weapon of war. An estimated 250,000 to 500,000 women were raped, with the violence used to dehumanize the Tutsi population.

• Second Congo War (1998–2003): Known as the “deadliest conflict since World War II,” this war saw widespread sexual violence, with thousands of women and girls subjected to rape and sexual slavery, often used as tools of war and terror.

• Boko Haram Kidnappings (2014): Over 270 schoolgirls were abducted from Chibok, Nigeria. Many of these girls were forced into marriages and sexual slavery, exemplifying the systematic targeting of women in conflict zones.

B. Contemporary Cases

• Sudan (2024): In conflict zones, women and children continue to be sexually assaulted, with over 200 reported cases of rape in Sudan since the start of 2024, illustrating the ongoing use of sexual violence as a tactic of war.

• South Sudan (2024): Despite international pledges to protect women, sexual violence remains rampant. Survivors face social stigma, lack of support, and ongoing insecurity.

• Southern Africa (2023): Reports from UNICEF and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) revealed that approximately 17% of girls and women in Southern Africa have experienced forced sex at some point in their lives, a disturbing statistic that reflects the pervasive nature of GBV.

Policies Addressing GBV: Progress and Limitations

A. Key Policies

• The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (1981): This landmark document emphasizes the elimination of discrimination against women across the continent.

• The Maputo Protocol (2003): This protocol promotes women’s rights, including reproductive rights and protection against GBV.

• Domestic Violence Acts: Several African countries, including South Africa and Kenya, have implemented laws aimed at addressing domestic violence, though enforcement remains inconsistent.

• UN Women’s Spotlight Initiative (2019): A global partnership dedicated to eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls.

B. Implementation Challenges

Despite the existence of these frameworks, enforcement remains inconsistent. Cultural resistance, limited resources, and inadequate legal systems continue to hinder the effective implementation of these policies. In Côte d’Ivoire, for instance, despite notable strides in promoting gender equality, femicides and weak law enforcement persist, underscoring the gap between policy and practice.

The Economic Exploitation of Women and Girls

In conflict zones and beyond, women’s bodies are often commodified. In Sudan, economic hardship has driven some women and girls into transactional sex, exposing them to further violence and health risks. In workplaces across Africa, sexual harassment remains rampant. Women are coerced into sexual acts in exchange for job security or promotions, reflecting the deep-seated patriarchal norms that control women’s economic survival.

Women’s Representation in Leadership: Signs of Progress

Despite the many challenges they face, African women have made significant strides in leadership roles:

• Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (Liberia): Served as Africa’s first elected female president from 2006 to 2018.

• Sahle-Work Zewde (Ethiopia): Became Ethiopia’s first female president in 2018 and served until 2024.

• Joyce Banda (Malawi): Served as president from 2012 to 2014 and was a strong advocate for women’s empowerment.

• Judith Suminwa (DRC): Appointed as the Democratic Republic of Congo’s first female prime minister in 2024, marking a historic step forward for women in politics.

These milestones represent significant progress, but the representation of women in leadership roles must increase across all sectors of society.

The Economic Impact of Empowering Women

Empowering women economically can have transformative effects on communities. In Zimbabwe, for example, initiatives like Mobility for Africa’s electric tricycles have enabled rural women to gain financial independence. Similarly, women’s lending circles in Kenya’s Kibera slum have provided women with the resources to improve their livelihoods, demonstrating the profound potential of economic empowerment to break the cycle of poverty.

Call to Action: Towards Inclusive Reforms

To address the persistent oppression of women and girls in Africa, the following actions are imperative:

1. Strengthen Legal Frameworks: Ensure the enforcement of existing laws and close legal gaps that allow GBV to persist.

2. Promote Education and Awareness: Implement public campaigns to challenge patriarchal norms and advocate for gender equality.

3. Support Economic Empowerment: Invest in programs that provide women with skills, resources, and opportunities for financial independence.

4. Increase Women’s Representation: Encourage and support women’s participation in political and decision-making processes.

5. Engage Cultural Leaders: Work with community leaders to reinterpret cultural practices in ways that uphold women’s rights.

Conclusion: A Decade of Silence Must End

The persistent silence surrounding the oppression of African women and girls is a humanitarian crisis that demands immediate attention. As we reflect on the progress made, we must also acknowledge the significant work still ahead. Every act of violence, every silenced voice, is a call to action. It is time for inclusive dialogue, robust reforms, and an unwavering commitment to uphold the rights and dignity of every woman and girl in Africa. We must act now to ensure that the next generation of African women will inherit a world where their voices are heard, their rights protected, and their futures secure.

Aric Jabari is the Editorial Director  of the Sixteenth Council.