Gender Archives

More Than What You Wear The Reality of Rape Prosecution in Nigeria

Victoria AuduOctober 28, 2023

The prosecution of sexual offender, Femi Olaleye, has brought hope to Nigeria’s justice system. But the overarching problem of rape and its consequential societal stigma continues to frustrate the efforts of those fighting against it.

GenderNigeriaOctober/November 2023

Theodosia Okoh’s Stolen Symbol The Archival Omission of a Ghanaian Historical Icon

Kikachi MemehJuly 18, 2023

For a long time, not many Ghanaians knew that Theodosia Okoh designed their country’s iconic flag. Like many African countries, the history of Ghana’s independence unfailingly details the contributions of men who are all tagged ‘founding fathers’. Women like Okoh and their contributions, however, are often left out of the archives and consciousness of their country people.

GenderGhanaJune/July 2023

Lesley Lokko Prepares for Venice What Africa as a Future Laboratory for Architecture Means

Michael Chiedoziem ChukwuderaMarch 9, 2023

In curating the Biennale Architettura 2023 in Venice in May, Lesley Lokko is set to make history as the exhibition’s first Black architect. Lokko’s career as an architect has been eclectic but always revolving around the subject of Africa’s past, present and future.

February/March 2023GenderGhanaInternational Women's Day - Culture

African Queens A Brief Guide to Ancient Africa’s Female Rulers

The RepublicApril 28, 2022

Despite their wide-ranging impact, many ancient African queens have yet to receive mainstream attention. Read more.

April/May 2022GenderInternational Women's Day - HistoryNigeria

Nationalist: Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti The Radically Progressive Twentieth-Century Leader

Farida Funmi AkanjiApril 13, 2022

Often understated today as the first woman to drive a car in Nigeria, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti's achievements were exceptional, multi-faceted and far-reaching. Read more.

April/May 2022Editors Picks: Independence DayGenderInternational Women's Day - IconsNigeria

Who Were the Lijadu Sisters?

Tomisin AwosikaFebruary 3, 2022

Taiwo and Kehinde Lijadu were mainly active as the Lijadu Sisters from the 1960s to the 1980s—a time when it was rare to find front-women in Nigeria’s pop music scene. Read more.

February/March 2022GenderInternational Women's Day - IconsNigeria

Who Was Wuraola Esan?

Tomisin AwosikaJanuary 27, 2022

Wuraola Esan was a pioneering Nigerian women’s rights activist who became the first woman member of the Nigerian Senate in the First Republic. Read more.

GenderInternational Women's Day - IconsJanuary 2022Nigeria

Who Was Folayegbe Akintunde-Ighodalo?

Tomisin AwosikaJanuary 20, 2022

Folayegbe Akintunde-Ighodalo was a pioneering Nigerian feminist, activist, and civil servant who in 1968 became the permanent secretary of Home Affairs and Information in Nigeria’s Western Region. Read more.

GenderInternational Women's Day - IconsJanuary 2022Nigeria

Elizabeth Olowu: Nigeria’s First Female Bronze Caster

Tomisin AwosikaJanuary 13, 2022

Princess Elizabeth Olowu is a sculptor who is recognized as the first female bronze caster in Nigeria. Read more.

GenderInternational Women's Day - IconsJanuary 2022Nigeria

Who Was Tanimowo Ogunlesi?

Tomisin AwosikaDecember 21, 2021

Tanimowo Ogunlesi was a women’s rights activist, teacher, and founding member of the women’s section of Obafemi Awolowo’s, Action Group (AG). Read more.

December 2021Editors Picks: Independence DayGenderInternational Women's Day - IconsNigeria