OpenMind Journal of Humanities, Arts & Creative Studies

Abstract

There-emergence of coups in West Africa is a 21st century trend. The purpose of this study was to analyze the nature of the coup(s) in Burkina Faso and its impact on West African democracy. The study, which was design ed qualitatively in an exploratory manner, provided data to be analyzed and present ed in a systematic and theoretical approach, allowing it to explain the reasons for the military coup d'état in January and September 2022, which impact ed on the democratic process in Burkina Faso due to the increased popularity and acceptance of the junta headed by Captain Ibrahim Traore. The study also found that, the euphoria that accompanied the Burkina Faso coups also facilitated the change of governments in another neighboring West Africa country – Niger – in the context of the absence of political leadership, economic crises, weaknesses in state institutions and security issues. The study also found that today's military coup resurgence in West Africa is a failure of state governance and democratic processes as people prefer to have an authoritarian regime. The Study recommend ed on public interest and return to democratic rule in Burkina Faso, enhancement of ECOWAS peer-review mechanism on governance for member-countries, other measures to counter the frequent coup d'etats in Burkina Faso and West Africa.

Keywords: Coup; Democracy; Military and Military Regimes

Abstract

In an era dominated by digital transformation, India's gender digital divide perpetuates profound inequalities, particularly for marginalized women, hindering economic empowerment and social mobility. This study examines the underrepresentation of women in Industrial Training Institutes' (ITIs) Computer Operator and Programming Assistant (COPA) program-a key NSQF-aligned vocational pathway to digital skills through the lenses of Amartya Sen's Capability Approach, Kimberlé Crenshaw's intersectionality, and Naila Kabeer's resources-agency-achievements model. Employing a systematic literature review and secondary data synthesis from peer-reviewed sources, government reports, and policy documents (2015–2025), the analysis aggregates quantitative metrics (e.g., 12–15% female enrollment, 23–28% dropout rates) with qualitative insights into structural, institutional, and socio-cultural barriers, such as inadequate outreach, unsafe infrastructure, patriarchal norms, and intersectional vulnerabilities (e.g., caste-rural overlaps). Findings reveal a philosophical dissonance: nominal access yields illusory inclusion, truncating women's substantive freedoms and agency. Comparative policy insights from Canada's Digital Literacy Exchange and Latin American bootcamps highlight scalable interventions like gender-responsive hostels, flexible scheduling, and mentorship. Recommendations advocate revitalizing ITIs with women-centric reforms - childcare hubs, adaptive curricula, and targeted placements-to forge inclusive skilling ecosystems. By bridging scholarly silences on intersectional voids, this synthesis charts pathways for equitable digital empowerment, potentially unlocking 15–20% productivity gains and affirming women's valences of flourishing in an AI-driven economy.

Keywords: Gender digital divide Vocational skilling; Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs); Computer Operator and Programming Assistant (COPA); Capability Approach; Intersectionality; Women's empowerment; Digital literacy; AI-driven economy

Abstract

Tact implies short cut. Elaboration is opposite to tact. It dilutes the tact. The more you speak the more you lie is a caution in case of negotiation. Ambiguity is a tool which can be interpreted to serve self-interest. As such a sly person uses ambiguous words tactfully.

Keywords: Tact; Ability, Handle; Difficult; Diplomacy; Care