Self-Discovery and Female Identity in Zaynab Alkali’s The Stillborn
Twinkle Suri
Dean Academic Affairs, Cluster University of Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
The Stillborn by Zaynab Alkali presents a powerful exploration of the struggles faced by women within a patriarchal Nigerian society. The novel traces the experiences of Li, Awa and Faku as they attempt to negotiate restrictive cultural norms, marital oppression and economic dependence. Through the journey of its central protagonist, Li, Alkali portrays a process of self-discovery in which education, resilience and female solidarity become crucial tools of empowerment. The narrative exposes the emotional and social consequences of patriarchal institutions such as polygamy while also emphasising the importance of education and economic independence in transforming women’s lives. By foregrounding issues of female identity, autonomy and empowerment, the novel reflects the broader concerns of African feminist discourse. The Stillborn illustrates how women can reclaim their agency and reconstruct their identities despite the constraints imposed by patriarchal traditions.
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