Gender, Conflict and Human Rights in Northern Nigerian Novel

Joyce Agofure; Murjanatu Rilwan  Muhammad

doi:10.53103/cjlls.v2i3.48

Authors

Joyce Agofure Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria
Murjanatu Rilwan Muhammad Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53103/cjlls.v2i3.48

Keywords:

Gender, Conflict, Human Right, Northern Nigeria, Africana Womanism, Justice, Harmony, Yar’fari

Abstract

This paper investigates the question of gender, conflict and human rights in northern Nigeria society using the novel Yar’fari (2020) by A’aisha Abdulkareem. The study seeks to delineate the critical need for gender equity, peace and conscientization towards human rights for females in northern Nigeria in particular and other regions at large. Consequently, this study opens up how Nigerian literature plays a vital role in explicating the gap between men and women, boys and girls generated by cultural restrictions and patriarchal constructions which often translate to gender conflict. Using the theoretical tool of Africana Womanism as propagated by Clenora Hudson-Weems, this paper addresses gender, conflict and the necessity to take action and create harmony, balance, justice, complementarity among sexes geared towards strengthening human rights and fundamental freedom. Put together, the text Yar’fari signifies a coherent engagement to challenge gendered conflicts, oppression and human rights encroachment in all forms.

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