GENDER IN WOMEN’S WRITING: RESTORING THE WOMAN IN AMA ATA AIDOO’S CHANGES: A LOVE STORY AND PEGGY OPPONG’S THE LEMON SUITCASE

Abstract

Purpose –– This study investigates genderism in Ghanaian women’s writing with women’s empowerment as the centre of
interest in Ama Ata Aidoo’s Changes: A Love Story (1991) and Peggy Oppong’s The Lemon Suitcase (2010)
Methods –– The study adopts a textual analysis of the novels under study and the authors’ novels as controversial works which promote the ideals of the feminist movement in Africa by presenting issues that address nuances in gender roles and social constraint.
Findings –– The findings unveil the progression of female roles over the period in the male-dominated Ghanaian society. Also,
this study contributes to debates on feminism in Africa as well as promotes gender equity and women’s empowerment through
education.
Conclusion & Recommendation –– The study presented the representation of the female figures in a patriarchal Ghanaian society. It sought to empower women as leaders in their contributions to the society. There is more room for improvement in spite of the career progression women have achieved.
Keywords –– Feminism, The Lemon Suitcase, Sustainable Development, Genderism, Empowerment