This paper explored an Afro-philosophical response to John Stuart Mill’s concept of gender equality as an avenue for integral African development. This will be done by examining the intersections and divergences between Western liberal feminist thought and African philosophical perspectives on gender and personhood. While Mill’s liberal feminist stance in his work The Subjection of Women was revolutionary within its Victorian context, this study argues that his theory contains inherent limitations when viewed from African communal and spiritual conception of human person. Mill’s advocacy for women’s rights and equality is evaluated in light of African cultural values and communal ethics, which prioritize collective wellbeing and relational ontology. The analysis reveals that while Mill’s ideas on individual liberty and equality are influential, they may not fully capture the complexities of gender dynamics in African societies. African philosophical perspectives, such as Ubuntu and Igbo feminist thought, offer alternative frameworks for understanding gender equality, emphasizing the importance of community, cooperation, and mutual respect.
Key words: African Philosophy, Communitarianism, Complementarity, Gender Equality, Patriarchy, Relational Ethics
Written By:
ADIDI, Dokpesi Timothy, Ph.D
Department of Philosophy,
Veritas University, Abuja, Nigeria.
Email: adidit@veritas.edu.ng
Danliti Linus VINCENT
Department of Philosophy,
Veritas University, Abuja, Nigeria
Email: ibehlinusvincent@gmail.com
Philip Osarobu ISANBOR, Ph.D
Department of Educational Foundations,
University of Benin, Nigeria
Email: philip.isanbor@uniben.edu.