African Women, Motherhood, and Traditional Family Roles

Africa's Oral Traditions and the Role of Women

Africa is deeply steeped in oral traditions, with women at the forefront of spreading knowledge and wisdom through these practices. However, these voices often go unnoticed within the realm of literary traditions. This marginalization has multiple causes, including the exclusion of women from socio-economic and political fields, a topic discussed by writers such as Flora Nwapa (Nwapa, 1966). Women are frequently pushed to the fringes, having little to no role in the center of these spheres.

The major themes in female Nigerian writings include the presence or absence of motherhood, its joys and pains, the complexities of living in a polygamous marriage, the oppression of colonialism and white rule, struggles for economic independence, and the fickleness of husbands, which often serves as a means to control their existence in traditionally polygamous marriages. The importance of having a support system, particularly in urban environments, the mother-daughter conflict or relationship, and the definition of self—not separate from tradition or other man-made restrictions—are also explored. Analyzing these factors is crucial to understanding the dynamics of African women’s writings. Emecheta's most powerful novel, "The Joys of Motherhood," encapsulates all these issues with a unique perspective, portraying traditional society while emphasizing the female point of view, which expresses her disdain for the oppressive system (Emecheta, 1979).

African Women, Motherhood, and Traditional Family Roles

These themes are prevalent in Emecheta’s novels. As depicted by Emecheta, an Igbo woman faces contempt if her marriage is not fruitful in African society. Barrenness is the severest struggle a woman must endure. Nnu Ego, the beautiful and proud daughter of a beautiful and proud mother who grew up under all-encompassing tribal traditions, suffers profound heartache when her marriage to a young and wealthy farmer does not make her a mother. She is deemed barren because she has no child within the first twelve months of her marriage, disappointing everyone, including her husband, father, and herself. In a woman's life, motherhood is a significant milestone, marking a sense of fulfillment. Society forbids a sterile woman who does not produce children to continue her husband's lineage. Thus, a woman endeavors to fulfill her traditional commitments to her husband and community, and if she fails to become a mother due to any unfavorable fate, she endures immeasurable suffering.

An infertile woman receives no pity, even from her beloved husband. She is disparaged, abused, and even driven out of her home when she is unproductive. Nnu Ego is unlucky as her husband abandons her for not bearing children, despite the commitments he showed her. A woman is valued only for her potential to propagate the species, not for herself. Sterility is seen as an insult to femininity and a defect in womanhood. In those days, becoming a wife and mother was the highest ideal and hope of every African woman. The Ibo tribal community dictates that a woman's primary duty is to have children, especially male children, to continue her husband's line. The humiliation of sterility is unbearable, and an infertile woman brings embarrassment to both her parents and in-laws. This tradition is passed on to every daughter of the Ibo tribe.

Gender Roles and Societal Expectations

The novel presents a society where the roles of men and women are clearly defined. A woman may be considered ugly and grow old, but a man is never seen as ugly and only matures with age. The heroine Nnu Ego, as well as Emecheta, strongly reject this traditional concept, which places women on the lowest pedestal, considering them only suitable for domestic roles and childbearing. Women are expected to subordinate their interests to the collective will of their community. These strict social norms prevent them from revealing their individuality and identity. Consequently, the inability to conceive is not only seen as a shame but also as a sign of evil. It is considered easy for a virtuous woman to conceive, and if she cannot bear a child, it is regarded as a great dishonor to the entire family. She must find fulfillment for herself, her parents, and her husband by having children.

References:

• Emecheta, B. (1979). The Joys of Motherhood. George Braziller.
• Nwapa, F. (1966). Efuru. Heinemann.