Patriarchy, Sexual Harassment, and Gendered Violence in African Society: A Radical Feminist Reading of Sefi Attah’s Swallow

Abstract

This study examines the persistence of patriarchy and its harmful consequences on women and the girl-child in African society. It focuses on patriarchy and its undeniable connection to sexual harassment and gender-based violence. It is against this background that Sefi Attah's novel Swallow is selected as a case study. The novel is undertaken to assess patriarchal oppression and parental irresponsibility, aided by the doctrines of Africana womanish. Attah explores the plight of girl-children and women in African communities, dominated by irresponsible men and careless parents. Likewise, the study surveys the birth of feminism, and the ways it has been helpful in women’s battle for equal rights. To this effect, the theoretical framework is from a radical feminist perspective. Using both primary and secondary sources of data collection, the study discovers that African women contribute significantly to the development of the community, both in the traditional and modern eras. They are described as the foundation and the feeders of the nation. Such contributions, therefore, confer on them prestigious roles in society, yet they face relentless oppression. The paper concludes that it is essential to challenge patriarchal structures and promote gender equality. It recommends recognizing women's contributions and empowering them as it is crucial for societal progress.