Africa’s Natural Resources and the Gendered Struggle Against Exploitation

Introduction

In May 2023, Charmaine Pereira delivered a powerful keynote at the Feminist Africa Conference on Re-strategizing African Feminist Activism for the ‘New Normal’ in Kampala, Uganda. Her presentation, titled “Africa’s Natural Resources amid Old and New Imperial Relations: What Implications for Gender Justice?”, examined how historical and contemporary forms of imperialism continue to shape the continent’s extractive economies. Drawing attention to the gendered impacts of resource plunder—from environmental degradation to the marginalization of women in decision-making—Pereira challenged African feminists to center gender justice in movements against exploitation.

This blog post highlights key insights from her presentation and explores their broader significance for activism, policy, and pan-African solidarity. Engage more deeply with the ideas in this post—take our interactive quiz linked below and reflect on what you’ve learned.

Africa is rich in natural resources, yet the continent continues to face exploitation under both historical and modern imperialist systems. As competing global powers extract resources, the effects reverberate through communities—especially for African women, who are often at the frontlines of environmental, social, and economic crises.

A Legacy of Extraction and Empire

From colonial conquest to modern-day foreign direct investment (FDI), Africa’s resources have attracted external powers seeking control over copper, coltan, diamonds, oil, and other valuable commodities. The Berlin Conference and subsequent Cold War interventions established geopolitical patterns of extraction that persist to this day through militarized and financial incursions.

Emerging Powers and New Extractivism

China’s Belt and Road Initiative, India’s infrastructure-for-oil agreements, and Russia’s mineral-for-arms deals exemplify new forms of extractivist relationships. Although often framed as “win-win,” these arrangements frequently bypass local populations, resulting in displacement, environmental harm, and limited job creation.

Gendered Impacts on Frontline Communities

Women bear the brunt of resource extraction:

• Loss of land-based livelihoods (farming, fishing, forest gathering)
• Increased gender-based violence due to militarization
• Disruption of ancestral knowledge and ecological stewardship
• Exclusion from decision-making about land and resources

Calls for Justice and Feminist Resistance

African feminist movements such as WoMIN and the Feminist Declaration demand structural change:

• Energy Justice: Leave fossil fuels underground; invest in renewable, community-controlled energy.
• Food Justice: Prioritize land rights and support for small-scale women farmers.
• Climate Justice: Hold corporations accountable; ensure women benefit from climate strategies.
• Gender Justice: Guarantee women’s participation, freedom from violence, and access to justice.

Toward a Transformative Future

Achieving gender justice in the context of resource extraction means reimagining the role of the state, shifting development paradigms, and amplifying feminist voices grounded in lived realities. African women are not just victims of extractivism—they are leading agents of change.

Conclusion

Africa’s struggle over its natural wealth is not just an economic issue—it is deeply feminist. Achieving justice requires that we center the voices, leadership, and rights of African women in shaping a just and sustainable future.