AFRICAN WOMEN’S EMANCIPATION IN SEFI ATTA’S SWALLOW

Abstract

This research paper delves into some serious matters which hinder the African woman’s emancipation in postcolonial Africa through Sefi Atta’s Swallow (2010). Indeed, Sefi Atta castigates the subordination of women in postcolonial Africa through a number of practices. Through her female characters, Sefi Atta unveils the hardships of womenfolk in postcolonial Africa. The current paper uses plot analysis to explore the message and story the novel portrays. It shows that patriarchy is one of the root causes of women’s subjugation in postcolonial Africa, and that patriarchy brings about poverty among women. Both patriarchy and poverty maintain womenfolk in a state of inferiority. Furthermore, this research paper posits that women’s illiteracy causes their financial dependence upon men. Besides, the institution of marriage is also detrimental to women and as a consequence, it helps men keep women in a condition of subservience. With the theory of post-colonial criticism, this paper postulates that Sefi Atta shows concern for the misrepresentation of the African woman in a male dominated society and advocates the African woman’s emancipation.