The issue of feminism springs up from women's consciousness of their situation in the society and various oppressive acts against them.
In traditional Africa the woman is an object of constant scorn, degradation and physical torture. In the past, women did not exist as individuals with personalities to defend. They rather existed as mere docile and exotic accompaniments to the males. Throughout that period, women lacked a voice to articulate their dilemma and their point of view. They, thus, accepted their fate without resistance.
In those days, these women, in addition to experiencing the same oppressive social condition as their male counterparts in a developing world, were subjected to extra repressive burdens arising from the socio-cultural structures of patriarchy and gender hierarchy. These years of subjugation have, however, produced in today's women relentless questioning of the status quo. They protest against dehumanization, political enslavement and social oppression. They rationalize that the running of the African world is not the preserve for males and thus there should be absolute equality of both sexes in all spheres of life. Such a reaction is termed feminism, which is an ideology that urges, in simple term, recognition of the claims of women for equal rights with men.
Nnolim's (1994:248) view is that feminism as a movement and ideology urges, in simple terms, the recognition of the claims of women for equal rights with men in legal, political, economic, social and marital situation. For Helen Chukwuma (1994: IX): Feminism in African Literature, it is a rejection of inferiority and a striving for recognition, it seeks to give a woman a sense of self as a worthy effectual and contribution human being. It is a reaction against such stereotypes of women which deny them a positive identity. It set out to enhance the position of women in a predominantly male oriented society. Chukwuma (1994: IX) states that what feminist writers articulate is the dire need of African women for recognition and partnership. She further asserts that feminism is based on the theory of individuality, recognition of the personhood of women and equally opportunity for development. Filomina Steady (1981: 74) in the Black women cross culturally writers that true feminism is . . . a determination to be resourceful and self reliant. For the gender training manual for Higher Education by Akin Aina and Taiwo (2000: 11) feminism is a label for a political position which indicate support for the empowerment of women. We have two main branches of feminism: Radical feminism and liberal feminism. Radical Feminism A third theory of feminism according to Akin Aina and Taiwo (1999: 7) is radical feminism which places the concept of patriarchy at the center of gender inequality. Radical feminists claim that women as a class are and have probably always been dominated and controlled by men as a class and that this domination and control pervade all aspects of their lives. It is not only in the sphere of paid work and in the relations between the public and domestic spheres that women are oppressed but also in their child bearing and rearing in the family, in sexual relations such as rape and prostitution and in politics. Liberal Feminism Akin-Aina and Taiwo, (1999: 17) "Development and Equality: an overview'". Explain that liberal feminism stemmed from the increasing importance placed upon individual human rights and freedoms that occurred during the 1700's. Liberal feminists believe that as human beings, women have a natural right to the same opportunities and freedoms as men. The approach they adopts is to campaign to gain for women rights which were previously men's exclusive preserve. They campaign against laws which discriminated against women but were claimed to be for their protection. Liberal feminism sees the root of the problem of gender inequality as the socialization process of children. 1.2 Purpose of the Study The purpose of this study is to promote the issue of feministic activities in our society by bringing out the feministic issues in Sefi Atta'sEvery thing Good Will Come and Ama Ata Aidoo's Changes. The main purpose of this research is to sensitize women on the issue of feminism and the roles of some feminists in the society. This research is aimed at imparting in people the feminist ideals and positive roles displayed by women in an attempt to change some of the traditional beliefs and practices imposed on them by their male counterparts. 1.3 Statement of the Problem Feminism is regarded as an ideology that urges in simple terms, recognition of the claims of women for equal rights with men. The struggle to rejuvenate the wounded dignity of Africa womanhood has been a dominating theme over the years. The situation still prevails even in this age of modernism. The Africa women have to fight against an oppressive culture and its attendant discrimination. A number of writers have attempted to analyze the ideology from different perspective and this has led us to carryout research on this topic: Feministic Issues in Ama Ata Aidoo's Changes and Sefi Atta's Everything Good Will Come. 1.4 Significant of the Study This research work in feministic Issues in Ama Ata Aidoo's Changesand Sefi Atta's Everything Good Will Come will be of great important to many. It will show that feminism is one of the themes which have been portrayed in Africa drama, poetry and most important in Africa prose. It shows that some African writers believe in the equality of women and men. This research work will also educate the minds of men who think or feel that women are less important to the society. This research work will be of great important for students researchers who would go into researching on feminism, thereby serving as a secondary material to them. 1.5 Scope of the Study This research work will be on Feministic Issues of textual analysis inEverything Good Will Come and Changes. Reference would also be made to other western countries related materials in carrying out this research. There will be a review of other relevant related works (both drama and prose) of other African writers which have treated feminism. 1.6 Research Methodology The primary and the main source of information of this work are the two novels Changes and Everything Good Will Come. And the secondary source of information includes, journals, internet materials
