Education for Sustainable Development: Feminist Literary Texts Transforming African Societies

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume III, Issue IV, April 2019 | ISSN 2454–6186

Education for Sustainable Development: Feminist Literary Texts Transforming African Societies

Dr Winnet Chindedza, Dr Admire Mhindu
Great Zimbabwe University, Zimbabwe

Abstract: – This study analyses the importance of studying feminist literature at university level.It was carried out with ten university students,six males and four females. The study analysed students’ views on the importance of studying feministliterary texts for sustainable development in Africa in general and Zimbabwe in particular. Historically, the writing canon was a preserve for men. It was very difficult for women writers to publish their works. Their works were considered not suitable to be read by the public. However, some daring women authors had to publish their works using male pseudonyms. As a result, the twenty first century saw feminist writers emerging from different countries and the Sub-Saharan region has also produced its fair share of feminist writers. Since the emerging of these feminist writers in Africa, many academics have taken a keen interest in female writers’ works of art. Many scholars have critically analysed these works and invariably found that these authors deal with issues that can transform African societies in as far as the condition of women and girls in society is concerned.The readings of such books willsensitise young adults who are future policy makers, on the need to formulate policies that put women and men on an equal footing.The students revealed that women and girls should be educated in order to sustain the development of African countries.They also indicated that women have the same capability asmen; and as a result, they should be accorded equal opportunities. Therefore, the objective of this study was to find out what university young adults say about the themes that are explored by these feminist authors. The authors explore themes on women oppression, marriages as institutions to oppress women among many others.This paper is viewed through the liberal feminist theory, and therefore recommends that feminist books be studied in high schools and tertiary institutions in order for these young adults to transform traditional societies to modern societies that advocate for equality between men and women.

Key words:- Sustainable Development, Feminist literary texts, Transforming

I. INTRODUCTION

Feminist authors advocate for gender equality in their texts.Therefore, through reading these texts,societies are conscientised on the need for equality between menand women.The United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goal 5 advocates for gender equality. It states that providing girls and women equal access to education and representation in economic decision processes will fuel sustainable economies and benefit societies and humanity at large.

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