(NUST, Department of English Communication., 2009) Kangira, Jairos
This paper illustrates that Stephen Alumenda represents the girl-child in a positive way in four of his children’s books. The girl-child is portrayed as active, assertive, wise and independent. Alumenda satirises the patriarchal belief system that discriminates against and demeans the girl-child in society. Alumenda’s girl-child emerges dignified, proving that girls can do what boys do equally well if given the same opportunities. Through carefully crafted plots involving Marita, Tambudzai and
Thandiwe, the author demonstrates that children’s literature is an indispensable
medium which can be used to empower the girl-child.