Philippine E-Journals

Changing Roles of Yoruba Women as an Issue in National Development and Family Stability

O. O. Familusi | Ruth Oluwakemi Oke

Discipline: Anthropology

 

Abstract:

The relevance of women in every culture cannot be ignored. Their contributions to all facets of life are innumerable. However, conflicts have always arisen as to how and where women must play their role. In some cultures and religious traditions, they are to operate behind the scene; this belief is not without some attendant arguments especially in this era of clamour for egalitarianism. Works on various aspects of women studies abound. In such studies, women are seen as endangered species because they are victims of obnoxious cultural practices. They are denied of several rights and opportunities in patriarchal societies. On the other hand, women are believed to be indispensable, hence the importance that is attached to motherhood coupled with their influence in matriarchal societies. In this piece, attention is focused on changing roles of Yoruba women with emphasis on how such has contributed to national development on the one hand and impaired family stability on the hand. The paper examines their contemporary roles as a response to modern day reality; and the implications of such in all forms. Efforts are made at resolving the grey areas so as to sustain the family institution, which is cherished in Africa; and at the same time benefit from the invaluable role of women in the society.