Thesis

An International Multi-Disciplinary Journal, Ethiopia Vol. 5 (1), Serial No. 18, January, 2011 ISSN 1994-9057 (Print) ISSN 2070-0083 (Online)

New Perspectives on Women and Community Empowerment in Zaynab Alkali's The Descendants and The Initiates (Pp. 172-184)

Mohamemd, Razinatu T. - Department of English, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria Email: talitamo2000@yhoo.com

Hassan R. Kurfi - Department of General Studies, Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnics, Katsina State Email: hrkurfi@yahoo.com

Abstract Modern fiction in its attempt to address the woman question is re-focusing attention rather than on simply continuing to bemoan women’s subjection in society to actually, depicting them as striving actively, to overcome such subjection. The raging crusades are all aimed at women’s emancipation and have helped in bringing about the emergence of the new woman in control not only of her situation and destiny, but also of the opportunities hitherto denied her, for self-fulfillment. In this regards, this paper examines Zaynab Alkali’s portrayal of women as vibrant crusaders in bringing about tangible developments in their immediate environments. With insights into the development of female characters in two of her most recent works, The Descendants and The Initiates, this paper hopes to highlight Alkali’s new generation woman who is ready to offer her services thereby, re-defining the old roles played by women in Nigerian Literature. Introduction Over the years since the publication of her award winning, first novel, The Stillborn (1984), Zaynab Alkali has bestride the landscape in Northern Nigeria, like a Colossus. She has without doubt, remained to-date, the dominant voice in the region, even though other, relatively younger, but no

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Vol. 5 (1), Serial No. 18, January, 2011. Pp. 172-184

less ambitions female writers like Nana, Aishatu Ahmed, Asabe...