Igwesi Blessing Ngozi

The Story of an African Woman Igwesi Blessing Ngozi

An African Woman's Story, though Fiction, is a true picture of the status of African girls and women. Ada, an African girl, grew up in a patriarchal society where girl children and women are relegated to the background. However, Ada managed to struggle through to higher education but despite her level of education, without giving any regard to her personal ambitions and also considering compatibility, she was quick to get married to a man who was readily available because marriage is regarded in most African societies as the ultimate purpose for the existence of a girl child. The traditional notion of male dominance, male superiority, and preference for male children in African societies caught up with her after her marriage as her husband abandoned his responsibilities to her and her children as a result of her inability to have a male child. Her marriage eventually crumbled as a result of that. However, the resoluteness and determination of an African woman were seen as Ada was able to raise her children single-handedly. This is a harrowing account of hardship, rejection, and struggle faced by African women which is not limited to age, time, or level of education.