ROLES OF WOMEN IN AFRICA
Generalizations about the role and status of women in traditional African societies, as for other aspects of African life, are not easy to make because Africa is not one cultural area. It is marked by great cultural and linguistic diversities, and any statement which can be made about one trite may to altogether inapplicable to another, even in one geographical sub-region. A proper understanding of the status and role of women in traditional African societies therefore involves an appreciation of the different cultural patterns within which they are brought up, and of the family and tribal customs in each of those multitudinous societies which decree the exact place given to each member, the respect duo to each and the duties und privileges which membership of a family confers. It is in this regard that this essay compares and contrast the role of a woman in traditional and in modern African societies after which supply reasons for the former roles being side-lined today.
The fact remains that no degree of stereotyping against women existed in traditional Africa.
The woman possessed the power to organize the family and the society at large. There was an enormous task and responsibility conferred on womanhood. In fact the responsibility of both men and women were seen as complementary to one another “there was a co-dependence and a balance that existed” (St. Clair, 1994: 27).
In various traditional African societies, the African woman possessed the power that binds the society together. In fact the survival of the family and the future of marriage depended a great deal on the African woman. This is why Leith (1967: 34) emphasizes that: Culturally, African women were the transmitters of the language, the history and the oral culture, the music, the dance, the habits and the artisanal knowledge. They were the teachers and were responsible for instilling traditional values and knowledge in children. Men were also essential in the transmission of knowledge to the
The fact remains that no degree of stereotyping against women existed in traditional Africa.
The woman possessed the power to organize the family and the society at large. There was an enormous task and responsibility conferred on womanhood. In fact the responsibility of both men and women were seen as complementary to one another “there was a co-dependence and a balance that existed” (St. Clair, 1994: 27).
In various traditional African societies, the African woman possessed the power that binds the society together. In fact the survival of the family and the future of marriage depended a great deal on the African woman. This is why Leith (1967: 34) emphasizes that: Culturally, African women were the transmitters of the language, the history and the oral culture, the music, the dance, the habits and the artisanal knowledge. They were the teachers and were responsible for instilling traditional values and knowledge in children. Men were also essential in the transmission of knowledge to the
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