This paper examines the violations of women’s rights under military rule in Africa through a feminist lens, specifically utilizing the framework of feminist theory of militarism. Drawing on feminist scholarship, the analysis underscores the gendered dimensions of authoritarianism and its detrimental effects on women’s security, political participation, and human rights across the region.

Central to this exploration is the critique of traditional power structures within military regimes, which prioritize militarized control and reinforce patriarchal oppression. The paper investigates how military rule intersects with other forms of social inequality, such as race, class, and ethnicity, deepening the marginalization of women and other vulnerable groups.

It further examines the impact of militarized masculinities on gender relations, highlighting how the gendered dynamics of conflict contribute to widespread violence against women. Through this feminist perspective, the paper seeks to enhance understanding of women’s rights violations under military rule in Africa and advocates for more inclusive, gender-sensitive approaches to governance and human rights.