Devaluation of the Feminine Worth through Poverty: Examples from Grace Ukala’s the Broken Bond and Elechi Amadi’s Estrangement

Abstract

Poverty is fast becoming a global phenomenon that has taken a new
dimension throughout the world and in Africa in particular. The western
world as well as their media portray Africa and Africans in terms of
backwardness and often showcase the poverty level of her populace. This is
because during family skirmishes, communal clashes, as well as inter/intra
tribal wars, women and children bear the brunt of these unfortunate situation
as they are forced to vacate their homes, abandon their meager resources
and food in search of same in order to keep body and soul together. During
this process, they are violated, abused physically and sexually, while some
are inevitably forced into juvenile marriage as well as prostitution as means
of survival. This paper seeks to elucidate the causes of poverty among women and also profer solutions to the problems that poverty can generate. The paper also rejects the feminization of poverty, if women are given equal
opportunities in life to proof their mettle.