Women and leadership in modern African literature: A focus on Chinua Achebe’s Anthills of Savannah

Abstract

The discourse on women is one which cannot be over- emphasized. The United Nations in its Declaration on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women in 1980, made expansion of opportunities for women as a key demand. The declaration contends among others, greater the participation of women in decision making. Hence, the present study examines women and leadership in modern African literature to account for their (women) involvement and the impact of their participation cum non participation, focusing on Chinua Achebe’s Anthills of Savannah. The aim is to ascertain women leadership and its impact in the wider society, with reference to Chinua Achebe’s Anthills of Savannah. The study adopts Feminism (Post structural perspective) as its theoretical consideration. Finding from the study shows that women are not adequately represented in leadership positions. However, in cases where they lead, they functioned optimally for the betterment of their society. Beatrice, for instance, a Senior Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, is a noble female leader who by her role and conduct stood out. She affected those around her positively and was a source of inspiration to Ikem, a male character, in the novel.

Keywords: Leadership, Gender, Participation, Adequately, Women, Inspiration.