Gender-Based Violence Against African Women: Patriarchy, Systemic Inequality, and the Urgent Need for Revolutionary Change

One of the most widespread human rights violations in the world, gender-based violence (GBV) disproportionately affects women in patriarchal societies. GBV continues at startling rates throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, which reflects systemic injustices ingrained in institutional, cultural, and economic systems. Using an African feminist theoretical framework, this study investigates the structural causes of GBV against African women. The study examines how patriarchy, colonial legacies, economic dependence, and inadequate institutional frameworks all contribute to violence against women. It draws on interdisciplinary research in Gender Studies, Sociology, and African Studies. The study combines case studies from South Africa, Ethiopia, and East Africa with statistical evidence from international organisations using qualitative secondary data analysis to show trends and variances in GBV across contexts. The results show that GBV is a systemic occurrence supported by ingrained social norms, gendered power dynamics, and institutional shortcomings rather than just an individual or isolated problem. To effectively confront and reduce gender-based violence throughout the area, the study ultimately makes the case for comprehensive and transformative policy interventions focused on legal reform, economic empowerment, education, and ongoing feminist advocacy.