Investigating womanism in Odafen's Tomorrow I Become a Woman, Medie's His Only Wife, and May's Wahala

Abstract

This study investigates the portrayal of womanism in three significant African novels: Tomorrow I Become a Woman by Aiwanose Odafen, His Only Wife by Peace Adzo Medie, and Wahala by Nikki May. Womanism, a term coined by Alice Walker, serves as a critical framework through which African women challenge patriarchal structures and reclaim their autonomy, emphasising race, gender, and class. The study explores how these novels depict womanism, focusing on individual empowerment, solidarity, and resistance to traditional gender roles. Odafen’s Tomorrow I Become a Woman illustrates the protagonist’s journey toward self-determination and education as a means of defying societal limitations. Medie’s His Only Wife highlights the transformation of Afi, who gradually rejects the oppressive expectations of an arranged marriage, asserting her autonomy in a patriarchal society. In contrast, May’s Wahala emphasises the importance of female solidarity and community strength as a form of collective resistance, offering a powerful example of mutual support among women. The research also examines how language, narrative structure, and dialogue discourse shape the representation of women in these texts. It shows how language functions both as a tool for resistance and a means of reinforcing gender norms. Through internal monologues, first- and third-person narrations, and character dialogues, the novels reveal the complexities of African womanhood and the ways women negotiate their identities amidst external pressures and internal conflicts. Furthermore, the study assesses the broader significance and implications of womanism, emphasising its role in fostering empowerment, solidarity, and independence among African women. It concludes that womanism provides a critical framework for challenging patriarchal practices and reshaping gendered identities in contemporary African societies. The findings suggest that future research should explore the evolving themes of womanism in contemporary African literature and its practical application in community-based initiatives aimed at advancing gender equality. Educators and policymakers are encouraged to incorporate these texts and womanist principles into curricula and programmes that promote women’s empowerment, autonomy, and leadership in African contexts.