The Role of Women in SocioEconomic Development in Nigeria in Lola Shoneyin’s novel, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives

The Role of Women in SocioEconomic Development in Nigeria in Lola Shoneyin’s novel, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives 

Abstract

The aim of this study is to project the role of women in the socio-economic development of Nigeria in Lola Shoneyin’s novel, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives. Women subjugation and submissiveness to male cravings seem to overshadow the important role women play into he socioeconomic development of African society. This essay thought the storyline of Lola Shoneyin’s novel- The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’sWives intends to bring to limelight those nation building contributions made by women to promote family, societal and national development. The findings of this study revealed that marriage and its sustenance seem to be the major determinant of majority of women in the African setting, as it is seen as a means of social protection and escape from discrimination. The findings also revels that sexual, physical and other forms of abuse and untold hardship are being experienced by most women in Africa, much to the neglect of tradition and culture. The work concluded by pinpointing the socioeconomic role of women in societal development, ranging from breadwinning and managerial functions, entrepreneurial functions and instigators of societal change.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background To The Study

The novel, as a genre of literature, has become the principal tool often used by contemporary African writers to unveil cultural, political, religious and economical realities in the societies in which their works are written and/or received. Many literary critics and writers have argued that African literature, especially the novel, is a medium through which events and happenings in a society can be understood. Hence, African literature cannot be devoid of its enabling environment and realities. Lola Shoneyin’s novel, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives is an example of works by the 21st century African women writers who seek to complicate the conventional notion of African cultures. The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives (2010), the debut novel of African-born poet, Lola Shoneyin, tells the story of multiple women in a polygamous marriage in modern-day Nigeria and how complex relationships like these can be. Not only does the book expose the failings of society with regards to the treatment of females but it also expands the developmental role played by women in African societies.

Although women play very significant roles in various spheres of Nigeria’s development, their contributions to the growth of the country are, often, not acknowledged or encouraged (Mabel 2002). For instance, the role of women in the development of the Niger delta region of Nigeria, where the wealth of the country is being generated, has received little or no attention over the years even though they are actively involved in the developmental activities of the region. Certain challenges still face their efforts and make them seem insignificant to this region (ibid).

The roles of the woman in the family are diverse and as intriguing as the woman herself: wife, partner, confidant, mother, nurturer, provider, teacher, friend, counsellor, as well as the emotional and spiritual anchor. She is one who instills in her family, especially the children, moral and ethical standards, and does everything possible to ensure they are educated. Unfortunately, due to gender inequality, the family is often a domain where many women are socially restricted, economically exploited, emotionally degraded and rendered politically passive and poor. This limits not only the woman but her entire family and community who would have benefitted from her resources. Despite the great potentials of women, the fact remains that only few are mobilized and visible in the political arena of the nation (Kutz 1998). Surprisingly, however, women have carved a significant niche for themselves in this sector at the national and state levels, which does enhance the development of the region. Women such as NgoziOkonjo-Iweala (Former Minister of Finance), and ArunmaOteh, former Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission and, currently, the Vice President and Treasurer of the World Bank are key players within the political sphere of the state . Also worthy of note is Florence ItaGiwa who represented the Cross-River South Constituency in the National Assembly and served on several committees including the Committee on Women Affairs and the Committee on Niger Delta. She also served as a Special Adviser to President Olusegun Obasanjo on National Assembly Matters. ItaGiwa has remained an avid social activist whose commitment to the development of the Niger Delta and, especially, to the welfare of the indigenes of the Bakassi Local Government Area, has earned her several accolades (Mabel 2002).

This research therefore intends to examine the role of women in the socio-economic development of Nigeria in Lola Shoneyin’s novel, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives .

1.2 Statement Of The Problem

Contemporary Nigerian female writers have tried to fill up the vacuum created by the older generation of female writers who projected the traditional role of women as a challenge to their self-actualisation. Today, even though the situation has not changed much, modern female writers have recorded giant strides in educating society on the need to give the female gender equal opportunities as the male. In their various literary corpus, they present some of the challenges militating against women and project the modern as amazons who overcome the huddles placed before them by a chauvinist society.

Apart from female novelists who use their prose fictions to x-ray society, female poets have been in the background for years with their voices not fully heard. However, contemporary female poets are taking up the challenges to make their voice count by recreating social ills that bedevil the nation. This research reviews the work of prominent Nigerian female writer who have been making giant strides in the literary world. Their poems touch on socio-political issues that affect women and the society and they try to proffer lasting solutions to these problems as their own contribution to nationhood. In this light, the study will carry out a thematic analysis of the role of women in the socio-economic development of Nigeria in Lola Shoneyin’s novel, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives .

1.3 Research Questions

Women play a significant role in societal growth especially in African societies. However, irrespective of the immense role played by women, they are subjected to the role of bystanders in discussing and implementing issues/policies related to societal development. This subjugation led us to analyse the role of women in the socio-economic development of Nigeria in Lola Shoneyin’s novel, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives . The research question for this study is: what is the role of women in the socio-economic development of Nigeria in Lola Shoneyin’s novel, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives?

1.4 Aim And Objectives Of The Study

The aim of this study is to project the role of women in the socio-economic development of Nigeria in Lola Shoneyin’s novel, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives .

1.5 Scope Of Study

This study is an examination of the role of women in the socio-economic development of Nigeria. Specifically, the research discusses the role of women in Nigeria using Lola Shoneyin’s novel, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives. The study is limited to the narration of women contributions towards societal development as depicted in the novel.

1.6 Justification Of Study

The study is justified because of the following reasons:

1. It will examine the role of women in socio-economic development thereby projecting a positive image of women in society.
2. It will contribute to past literatures on gender studies or feminist literature.

iii. It will be useful as secondary source materials to future researchers in feminist literature.

1. It will be useful to students and teachers who may consult it for further research.
2. It will be useful for its contributions to knowledge.

1.7 Significance Of The Study

The need for women to underscore their importance in society cannot be over emphasized. Women writers have taken to their pen to pour out their emotions on some of the socio-political issues off their time especially as they pertain to the female gender. Lola Shoneyin’s novel, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wivesis a literary work that project the feelings of these great Nigerian writers. In their thematic projections, they are able to express the situations of the country in contemporary times and proffer perspectives as to how some of these issues may be curbed.

The Role of Women in SocioEconomic Development in Nigeria in Lola Shoneyin’s novel, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives