Réflexion sur la condition féminine dans Presqu’une vie de Carmen Toudonou et Mutilée de Khady Kiota

Abstract

The condition of African women in contemporary society has become a topical issue in the field of francophone African literature. Works of some African women writers such as Carmen Toudonou and Khady Kiota among others, have demonstrated critical perception on issues concerning the lives and conditions of women in the society. The aim of this study is therefore, to analyse the conditions of African women in Presqu’une vie by Carmen Toudonou and Mutilee by Khady Kiota respectively. Specifically, these authors focus on enlightenment campaign and criticism of condition and lives of African women who are threatened by some social vices such as force marriage and domestic violence. In view of the above, this study tends to answer these questions: in spite of excellent contributions and suggestions made in recent studies in the area, why is the condition of African women continually threatened and what are prospective solutions to remedy the situation? To effectively carry out this study, the researchers adopt African womanism theory that was proposed by Chikwenye Okonjo Ogunyemi. Having observed that sensitization of women is pertinent; this study therefore, recommends that education of African women should be a priority because it is evident that the emancipation of women is possible through formal education.