The Return of the Amazons: Women in Africa’s Armed Forces1

Abstract

A signifi cant feature of 21st century Africa is the growing participation of women in the security arena generally, and in the defence sector in particular. As more women enrol in the security sector, there is a demand for them to serve as commanders of critical units. The legend of the Amazons is coming alive today as women across the world enter the last frontier of gender exclusion. Focusing on Africa and drawing on southern Africa, this article traces efforts made to increase the numbers, and improve the effectiveness of women in the defence sectors; identifies key factors impeding this aspiration; and makes recommendations to help improve the quantity and quality of women’s participation in the defence sector of Africa.