Reimagining Womanhood: A feminist Discourse Analysis of Selected African Literature in English

Abstract

Nawal El Saadawi's Woman at Point Zero offers a powerful exploration of women's experiences in a patriarchal society, shedding light on the struggles and resilience of female characters. This study examines the novel's portrayal of women's struggles against societal oppression and its implications for understanding womanhood in Africa. Comparative analysis with other seminal works of African literature, including Nervous Conditions – Tsitsi Dangarembga,The First Woman’s Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi and Stay with Me by Ayọ̀bámi Adebayò reveals the shared perspectives on women's experiences that shape the discourse on womanhood in Africa. This research underscores the transformative potential of literature in inspiring societal change and invites further exploration of the complex issues surrounding women's lives.Through a feminist critique informed by intersectionality, this analysis reveals the novel's advocacy for female agency and its challenge to traditional gender roles. The study demonstrates the significance of literary works in shaping cultural narratives and promoting social change, contributing to ongoing discussions on feminism, African literature, and post colonialism.