African Journal of Gender and Women Studies

African Journal of Gender and Women Studies | Vol. 11, No. 9, August 2026 | pp. 97–104

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJGWS/001260

Article Type: Original Research Article

Title: Visualizing Empowerment: The Role of Feminist Community Radio in Northern Ghana's Agrarian Reforms

Names of Authors: Dr. Fuseini M. Abdul-Rahman¹, Dr. Amina L. Alhassan¹

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Communication, Innovation and Technology, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana

Abstract:
This study assesses the role of feminist community radio stations in advancing agrarian reforms and enhancing the socioeconomic agency of rural female farmers in Northern Ghana. Over a 24-month period, we monitored and analyzed the programming of three community radio stations that broadcast local-language gender equality content, using a quasi-experimental design involving 400 female agriculturalists (200 regular listeners and 200 non-listeners). The statistical analysis indicates that regular listeners achieved a 52% higher rate of participation in local land governance committees compared to non-listeners (p < 0.01). The radio programs, structured around interactive phone-in sessions and serial radio dramas, successfully demystified complex statutory land registry processes and educated women on their legal rights under the Land Act of Ghana. Qualitative focus groups revealed that the broadcasts provided women with the vocabulary and collective confidence required to negotiate fair crop-sharing arrangements with traditional landlords. However, the study identifies technical and structural challenges, including poor transmission ranges in remote villages, retaliatory power cuts by local political actors, and a lack of sustainable funding for female broadcasters. The paper argues that community radio serves as a transformative pedagogical tool for rural structural change. It recommends state-subsidized licensing fees for feminist media, capacity-building workshops for local language producers, and the integration of radio platforms with mobile agricultural extension systems.

Keywords: Community Radio, Feminist Media, Agrarian Reform, Female Farmers, Land Governance, Ghana

Manuscript Timeline: Received: February 10, 2026; Revised: May 02, 2026; Accepted: June 11, 2026; Published: August 30, 2026.

Citation: Abdul-Rahman, F. M., & Alhassan, A. L. (2026). Visualizing Empowerment: The Role of Feminist Community Radio in Northern Ghana's Agrarian Reforms. African Journal of Gender and Women Studies, 11(9), 97–104. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJGWS/001260

African Journal of Gender and Women Studies | Vol. 11, No. 9, August 2026 | pp. 89–96

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJGWS/001259

Article Type: Original Research Article

Title: Evaluation of Post-Abortion Care Accessibility and Quality for Adolescent Girls in Rural Madagascar

Names of Authors: Dr. Aina N. Razafindratsima¹

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Institut National de la Santé Publique et Communautaire, University of Mahajanga, Mahajanga, Madagascar

Abstract:
Adolescent maternal mortality remains a major public health crisis in Madagascar, often exacerbated by complications from unsafe abortions. This study evaluates the accessibility and quality of post-abortion care (PAC) services for adolescent girls aged 15 to 19 in rural communities of the Atsinanana region. A cross-sectional facility audit was conducted across 35 primary healthcare centers, supplemented by 40 narrative interviews with adolescent PAC recipients. The quantitative indicators reveal structural gaps: only 18% of surveyed facilities possessed complete PAC packages, which require emergency manual vacuum aspiration equipment, essential antibiotics, and post-abortion contraceptive options. The thematic analysis of patient narratives shows that adolescent girls face severe institutional barriers, including verbal abuse, moral condemnation, and breaches of confidentiality by healthcare providers. This systemic hostility delays care-seeking behaviors, with adolescents presenting at facilities an average of 4.2 ± 1.5 days after the onset of complications, significantly increasing the risk of sepsis and long-term infertility (p < 0.05). Furthermore, financial dependency forces many adolescents to seek cheaper, dangerous traditional alternatives before arriving at formal clinics. The study concludes that standard reproductive health policies are failing vulnerable adolescents due to cultural biases among clinicians. It recommends mandatory youth-friendly training for rural health workers, removing cost barriers for adolescent emergency care, and establishing confidential mobile reproductive health services.

Keywords: Post-Abortion Care, Adolescent Health, Reproductive Rights, Healthcare Quality, Rural Madagascar, Institutional Barriers

Manuscript Timeline: Received: March 01, 2026; Revised: May 12, 2026; Accepted: June 15, 2026; Published: August 24, 2026.

Citation: Razafindratsima, A. N. (2026). Evaluation of Post-Abortion Care Accessibility and Quality for Adolescent Girls in Rural Madagascar. African Journal of Gender and Women Studies, 11(9), 89–96. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJGWS/001259

African Journal of Gender and Women Studies | Vol. 11, No. 9, August 2026 | pp. 81–88

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJGWS/001258

Article Type: Original Research Article

Title: Masculinities and Mental Health Help-Seeking Behaviors Among Male Mining Workers in the Congolese Copperbelt

Names of Authors: Dr. Dieudonné M. Kabamba¹, Prof. Sophie R. Ilunga¹

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Abstract:
The mining sector in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is characterized by precarious working conditions and a highly masculinized culture. This study evaluates how cultural and institutional constructions of masculinity influence mental health help-seeking behaviors among male artisanal and industrial mining workers in the Congolese Copperbelt. Using an ethnographic approach, data were gathered through 14 months of fieldwork, including 65 semi-structured interviews and 8 focus group discussions with miners aged 20 to 55. The findings demonstrate that dominant workplace masculinities place a high premium on physical endurance, emotional stoicism, and risk-taking, which serve as mechanisms to validate male adult identity. Consequently, experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress is heavily stigmatized and framed as a failure of male provider identity. Descriptively, 84% of respondents reported experiencing work-related psychological distress, yet less than 6% had ever sought formal medical or psychological support. Instead, miners frequently rely on maladaptive coping strategies, including substance abuse and hyper-aggressive domestic behaviors, which directly increases rates of intimate partner violence in mining communities. The study concludes that institutional occupational health frameworks completely ignore psychological well-being. We recommend developing peer-led mental health interventions that deconstruct toxic masculinity norms and integrating psychological support services directly into mining camp healthcare clinics.

Keywords: Masculinities, Mental Health, Help-Seeking Behavior, Mining Industry, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Coping Mechanisms

Manuscript Timeline: Received: January 15, 2026; Revised: April 10, 2026; Accepted: May 24, 2026; Published: August 19, 2026.

Citation: Kabamba, D. M., & Ilunga, S. R. (2026). Masculinities and Mental Health Help-Seeking Behaviors Among Male Mining Workers in the Congolese Copperbelt. African Journal of Gender and Women Studies, 11(9), 81–88. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJGWS/001258

African Journal of Gender and Women Studies | Vol. 11, No. 9, August 2026 | pp. 73–80

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJGWS/001257

Article Type: Review Article

Title: Intersectional Realities: A Systematic Review of Queer Feminism in Contemporary Southern African Socio-Legal Discourse

Names of Authors: Dr. Thabo L. Sithole¹, Dr. Zanele K. Khumalo²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Faculty of Law, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; ²Centre for Sexualities, AIDS, and Gender, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa

Abstract:
This systematic review explores the evolution and integration of queer feminist theory within the socio-legal discourse of Southern Africa over the last decade. Analyzing 114 peer-reviewed articles, legal briefs, and civil society reports published between 2016 and 2026, this study charts how contemporary scholars challenge heteronormative and patriarchal legal frameworks. The review employs an intersectional African feminist framework to examine the gap between progressive constitutional guarantees and the daily realities of queer women and gender-nonconforming individuals. The findings reveal a persistent disconnect: while countries like South Africa and Botswana have advanced legal protections regarding sexual orientation, structural violence, economic exclusion, and healthcare discrimination remain pervasive. The thematic analysis identifies three dominant thematic pillars in current literature: the decolonization of gender identities, the weaponization of "traditional values" by conservative political elites, and the emergence of grassroots queer feminist resistance strategies. Additionally, the study highlights a critical gap in legal research regarding the property and inheritance rights of non-binary individuals in customary law systems. The paper argues that Southern African jurisprudence must expand its definitions of gender equality beyond binary concepts to address intersectional marginalization. It concludes by outlining an operational framework for legal reforms that protect diverse gender expressions.

Keywords: Queer Feminism, Socio-Legal Discourse, Intersectionality, Decolonization, Southern Africa, Human Rights

Manuscript Timeline: Received: April 05, 2026; Revised: June 02, 2026; Accepted: June 29, 2026; Published: August 14, 2026.

Citation: Sithole, T. L., & Khumalo, Z. K. (2026). Intersectional Realities: A Systematic Review of Queer Feminism in Contemporary Southern African Socio-Legal Discourse. African Journal of Gender and Women Studies, 11(9), 73–80. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJGWS/001257

African Journal of Gender and Women Studies | Vol. 11, No. 9, August 2026 | pp. 65–72

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJGWS/001256

Article Type: Original Research Article

Title: Cross-Border Digital Harassment: The Cyber-Vulnerability of East African Female Human Rights Defenders

Names of Authors: Dr. Wanjiku M. Kamau¹

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Center for Human Rights and Peace Studies, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract:
Digital spaces have become vital arenas for human rights advocacy, yet they also expose activists to unprecedented security challenges. This study examines the patterns, impacts, and institutional responses to cross-border digital harassment targeting female human rights defenders (FHRDs) in East Africa, focusing on Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Drawing on a regional survey of 180 FHRDs and 22 in-depth key informant interviews, the research maps the architecture of state-sponsored and coordinated citizen-led cyberattacks. The empirical data indicate that 78% of respondents experienced severe online gender-based violence (OGBV), including doxxing, non-consensual dissemination of intimate images, and gendered defamation campaigns. The thematic analysis highlights that these attacks are deliberately designed to damage the professional credibility and psychological well-being of FHRDs, forcing 42% of them into self-censorship or complete digital withdrawal. Descriptively, the cross-border nature of these cyberattacks complicates legal recourse, as perpetrators exploit jurisdictions with weak or non-existent cybercrime frameworks. Regional law enforcement agencies often trivialize OGBV, categorizing it as domestic or interpersonal disputes rather than serious human rights violations. The study argues that current legislative frameworks fail to protect activists in the digital age. It recommends building regional civil society cybersecurity hubs, creating legal aid networks, and pressuring social media corporations to improve localized content moderation algorithms for East African languages.

Keywords: Digital Harassment, Female Human Rights Defenders, Online Gender-Based Violence, Cybercrime, East Africa, Security

Manuscript Timeline: Received: February 28, 2026; Revised: May 15, 2026; Accepted: June 22, 2026; Published: August 10, 2026.

Citation: Kamau, W. M. (2026). Cross-Border Digital Harassment: The Cyber-Vulnerability of East African Female Human Rights Defenders. African Journal of Gender and Women Studies, 11(9), 65–72. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJGWS/001256

African Journal of Gender and Women Studies | Vol. 11, No. 9, August 2026 | pp. 57–64

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJGWS/001255

Article Type: Original Research Article

Title: Artificial Intelligence and Algorithmic Gender Bias in African Fintech Lending Platforms

Names of Authors: Dr. Chinedu U. Okafor¹, Prof. Fatoumata B. Diallo²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Computer Science and Gender Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; ²African Center for Technology Studies, Dakar, Senegal

Abstract:
This study investigates the presence and impact of algorithmic gender bias within artificial intelligence (AI) driven credit scoring models used by fintech lending platforms across West Africa. Utilizing a mixed-methods audit methodology, we evaluated the performance of three major commercial credit-scoring algorithms using an anonymized dataset of 45,000 loan applications. The quantitative analysis reveals that female applicants are assigned a 28% lower creditworthiness score on average compared to male counterparts with identical income-to-debt ratios (p < 0.01). This disparity stems from predictive variables that penalize fragmented employment histories and informal transaction patterns, which are highly prevalent among female entrepreneurs. Furthermore, the machine learning models utilize historical proxy variables that inadvertently perpetuate systemic patriarchal exclusions in formal asset ownership. Qualitative focus groups with female micro-entrepreneurs revealed that automated rejections lack transparent explanations, leaving applicants without recourse or understanding of how to improve their credit profiles. This algorithmic exclusion limits women's access to digital capital, widening the digital gender divide in the region's expanding digital economy. The study concludes that algorithmic neutrality is a myth when trained on historically biased data. We propose an alternative fairness-aware machine learning framework that integrates gender-disaggregated financial indicators to guarantee equitable credit distribution in African fintech ecosystems.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Algorithmic Bias, Fintech Loans, Financial Inclusion, Machine Learning, West Africa

Manuscript Timeline: Received: March 12, 2026; Revised: May 20, 2026; Accepted: June 18, 2026; Published: August 05, 2026.

Citation: Okafor, C. U., & Diallo, F. B. (2026). Artificial Intelligence and Algorithmic Gender Bias in African Fintech Lending Platforms. African Journal of Gender and Women Studies, 11(9), 57–64. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJGWS/001255