Inter and intra- gender discourse in African prose: an interrogation of the female image in selected literary texts

Abstract

Feminist writers have over the years portrayed patriarchy as the major and real source of female exploitation and subjugation and have highlighted the concept in their creative works. African female experiences, problems and yearnings are examined through the female character in the selected literary texts. Certain practices in the various cultural milieus, which not only demean women but also debar them from having a say in the daily affairs of the society are also exposed. The study interrogated some oppressive forces that marginalize women to determine if the factors are only inter gender. The paper revealed at the end of the study that truly women are subjected to discrimination, oppression and humiliation all through their lives and that these are both inter-gender and intra-gender. Patriarchy, as generally accepted, is not the sole source of female oppression because women seem to suffer oppression in the hands of fellow women especially in the African cultural milieu. The study employed the theories of Focu feminism, Snail Sense Feminism and Womanism in critical evaluations. To make adequate judgements, critical opinions of some scholars were reviewed. The study recommends love and empathy amongst women. It concludes that the oppression of women by the male gender will greatly be countered by women's collective activism, which can only be possible when they close ranks and unite.

Keywords: Gender, Patriarchy, Oppression, Intra Gender, Women