"Patriarchy does not respect national boundaries. It is unabashedly promiscuous in its influences and tethers. Yet, it does use nationalism very productively."

Drawing on examples from around the world - from Uganda, Nigeria, South Africa to Saudi Arabia, the Americas and Europe, Gqola traces the construction and machinations of the female fear factory by exposing its lies, myths, and seductions.

She shows how seemingly disparate effects like driving bans, higher education rape sexual harassment and femicide are all premised on the construction of people, mostly women, as female, and thereafter the use fear as a tool of patriarchal subjugation and punishment.