Women have always played a crucial part in Westafrica. In comparison with their African and European counterparts, they had emancipated themselves relatively early. In colonial times it was they who led the protests against colonial authorities. This paper is about the rise of the terrorist organization Boko Haram and women's role in this new conflict in post colonial Nigeria.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Historical Background
2.1 Islamic Movements in Nigeria's History
2.1.1 Boko Haram
2.1.2 Boko Haram's Ideology
2.2 Feminist Movements in Nigeria's History
3. Women at crossroads
3.1 Counterterrorism
3.1.1 #BringOurGirlsBack
3.1.2 BAOBAB for Women's Human Rights
3.1.3 Women Without Walls Initiative
3.1.4 Women's involvement in Vigilante groups
3.2 Women involved in Boko Haram Activities
3.3 Consequences
4. Conclusion
5. Bibliography
Objectives and Research Themes
This work examines the dual positioning of women in Northern Nigeria within the context of the Boko Haram insurgency, analyzing both their roles as activists against terror and their coerced or active participation in extremist activities. The primary research goal is to understand how these dynamics have evolved from historical patterns of resistance to contemporary conflict situations.
- Historical evolution of Islamic and feminist movements in Nigeria.
- The impact of the #BringOurGirlsBack campaign on government policy.
- Methods of grassroots activism and community-based counterterrorism.
- The complex phenomenon of women's involvement in Boko Haram activities.
- Consequences of the insurgency for women's rights and security.
Excerpt from the Book
2. Historical Background
As mentioned above neither the phenomenon of women's resistance against unjustified treatment nor of violent Islamic insurgencies is new. In fact they can be traced back to pre-colonial times. In the following I will outline their evolution in order to have a better understanding of today's occurrences.
In the 14th century Northern Nigeria was comprised of a number of independent kingdoms. Traders and missionaries from the Kingdom of Mali and from Songhay in Sudan were the first to introduce Islam in the Hausalands and Borno. But it took several centuries until it became a religion of the common people who held on to their pagan beliefs. Only the royalty among them converted to Islam since they believed it would earn them more political power by establishing tighter relationships which would connect them economically and politically to the rest of the Islamic world.
In the 18th century a Fulani preacher, called Usman Dan Fodio, started preaching in the North. He was particularly popular because he criticized the political establishment reproaching them for high taxation, corruption and promoting an unholy lifestyle. King Yunfa of the Gibir Kingdom, a former student, attempted to weaken his position and kill him. As a result of that Fodio gathered his followers and established a base in Gudo in 1802. Two years later he called for jihad against Yunfa. By 1809 he had taken Gibir's capital, Alkalawa, and founded a new empire, the Sokoto Caliphate. The Sokoto Caliphate exists up to this day but its ruler is only a nominal head.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the rise of the Boko Haram insurgency and its severe impact on women, defining the scope of the research and the media-based methodology used.
2. Historical Background: Provides a historical overview of Islamic movements and feminist resistance in Nigeria to contextualize current socio-political tensions.
3. Women at crossroads: Explores the multifaceted roles of women in the current insurgency, ranging from #BringOurGirlsBack activism to the problematic participation in terrorist activities.
4. Conclusion: Synthesizes findings on how the insurgency has altered the landscape for women, noting the success of international advocacy despite ongoing challenges in the region.
5. Bibliography: Lists the academic sources, news reports, and digital archives used to compile the research.
Keywords
Boko Haram, Nigeria, Women's Rights, Insurgency, #BringOurGirlsBack, Islamic Movements, Feminist Movements, Terrorism, Counterterrorism, Suicide Bombers, Civil Society, Human Rights, Political Activism, Northern Nigeria, Social Conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this publication?
The work focuses on the experience of women in Northern Nigeria amidst the Boko Haram insurgency, examining their responses to violence and their involvement in the ongoing conflict.
What are the central themes covered in the text?
The main themes include the history of Islamic and feminist movements in Nigeria, grassroots protest movements, and the complex participation of women in both counter-terrorism efforts and terrorist activities.
What is the primary research objective?
The objective is to provide a comprehensive analysis of how Nigerian women navigate the threat of terrorism and how their roles have been shaped by historical and current socio-political developments.
Which methodology is employed for this research?
The research is primarily based on a comparative analysis of media reports, international news coverage, and existing academic literature regarding Nigeria’s history and Islamic ideology.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body covers the historical roots of Northern Nigerian politics, the emergence of Boko Haram, the rise of feminist counter-movements like the #BringOurGirlsBack campaign, and the reasons behind the recruitment of female suicide bombers.
What are the defining keywords for this research?
Key terms include Boko Haram, Women's Rights, Insurgency, #BringOurGirlsBack, Counterterrorism, and Feminist Movements in Nigeria.
How does the author explain the recruitment of young girls by Boko Haram?
The author highlights several theories, suggesting that some participate under coercion, out of fear, or due to a lack of awareness of their mission, while others may be indoctrinated.
What impact did the #BringOurGirlsBack movement have on the Nigerian government?
The movement successfully pressured the government to acknowledge the abduction of the Chibok girls and drew significant international attention, although it also faced domestic political pushback.
- Quote paper
- Oliver Blau (Author), 2016, Women's role in the Boko Haram Conflict, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/355683
