Voices from the margins: the role of decolonial feminism in transforming leadership in the global South

Overview

This paper investigates the potential for decolonial feminism to disrupt norms of leadership and resound diverse voices from countries in the global South. Unlike Western-centric approaches to leadership that often oversimplify intersections, decolonial feminism emphasises their complexity and offers a more nuanced understanding. This perspective also underscores the importance of collective agency rooted in anti-colonial and anti-patriarchal methodologies, as well as inclusive practices that resonate with local epistemologies and cultural contexts. Decolonial feminist leadership disrupts authority by focusing on marginalised voices and creating space for large-scale social reform. The research explores what characterises decolonial feminist leadership, stressing the importance of social movements and the inclusion of a multiple-perspective approach which centres Indigenous and oppressed voices. Case studies of prominent grassroots movements and leaders like Vandana Shiva in India and Marielle Franco in Brazil reveal how these leaders navigate and resist established power structures while advocating for social justice. Despite its potential, decolonial feminist leadership faces challenges, including internal conflicts within feminist movements and resistance from traditional political systems. We have tried to examine the nooks and corners of these issues and suggest methods anew to facilitate more inclusive and decolonial leadership practices. This article demonstrates the importance of decolonial feminism in developing a paradigm for leadership that establishes collaboration, inclusivity, and social justice. This research contributes to the discourse about feminist leadership and offers practical advice for scholars, activists, and policymakers working to promote fairness and justice in a variety of global situations.