Abstract:
ABSTRACT
The main objective of this study is to formulate a practical and realistic
theoretical framework on how contemporary African women are redefining
gender roles and identities within the family and society. It also discusses how
qualitative methodology and formalistic approach are adopted for the study.
Data was collected from three novels: Evelyne Accad‘s Wounding Words
(1996), Nawal El Sadaawi‘s Woman at Point Zero (1992) and Flora Nwapa‘s
Women are Different (1975). The findings of the study revealed that Accad,
Saadawi and Nwapa employed characterization in their novels to underscore
negative stereotypical norms against women including domestic and social
violence. While such attitude is not new, unlike some women, several female
characters rose above intimidation and worked tirelessly at redefining their
gender roles and identities via Western education and other practical ways.
They redefined their gender roles to become breadwinners, family heads, and
occupied several leadership roles, which society often stereotypically
attributes to masculine gender and identity. Though the three novels
underpinned radical feminism and reformative feminism, the study formulated
Proactive Feminism as a bulwark against domestic and social violence as well
as gender inequality in post-colonial Africa (Sikweyiya et al., 2020). It is
recommended that women should be sensitized towards reporting abuse or
cases of gender inequality. Female child education should be prioritized
because educating a woman is much the same as educating a nation.
