ISSN 2360-7998
Abstract
This study critically examines the representations of gender, gender politics, and activism in Wole Soyinka’s The Strong Breed. Employing a literary-analytical approach grounded in feminist and postcolonial theories, the paper investigates how female characters navigate, resist, and challenge entrenched patriarchal and cultural norms. The analysis highlights the ways in which Soyinka’s portrayal of women reflects broader struggles for agency and empowerment within traditional African societies. The paper also contextualises these themes within contemporary feminist discourses, emphasising the play’s relevance to ongoing debates about gender equality. The findings suggest that The Strong Breed not only critiques oppressive cultural practices but also offers a nuanced perspective on the resilience and activism of women in postcolonial contexts.
Keywords: Gender Politics, Women’s Activism, Cultural Rituals, Postcolonial Feminism, Soyinka