Decolonizing Gender Narratives: Hyper-Imperialism and the Reconfiguration of Gender Theory in the Global South

This paper critically explores the pervasive influence of hyper-imperialism on contemporary gender discourse in the Global South, highlighting how transnational power structures shape knowledge production, policy frameworks, and development practices. While mainstream gender theories have offered essential analytical foundations, they often impose a Western-centric perspective that conceals the enduring colonial legacies and geopolitical hierarchies influencing gendered experiences beyond the Global North. By integrating interdisciplinary scholarship and empirical insights from Southern contexts, this paper reveals how global governance regimes, donor-driven agendas, and international norm-setting processes selectively amplify certain gender narratives while marginalizing and silencing others. These dynamics perpetuate epistemic dependency and stifle the emergence of nuanced, context-specific gender analyses. The paper advocates for a transformative decolonial framework that foregrounds indigenous epistemologies, socio-economic realities, and the unique historical contexts of the Global South. By repositioning gender theory through Southern lenses, it confronts and dismantles hegemonic knowledge systems that have long dominated the discourse. This work calls for pluriversal approaches that capture the intricate complexities of gender relations within contemporary global power structures, empowering marginalized voices and fostering a more inclusive understanding of gender politics.