The Diversities of Feminist Concerns on Cross Riverstate of Nigeria

Abstract

The research on the diversities of feminist concerns in Cross River State was motivated by the quest to explore the issues regarding the unique experiences of women in two different cultures in Cross River State. The reason is that scholars have focused on the general perspectives of women’s experiences in African societies, ranging from discrimination, exploitation, marginalization, oppression, denied inheritance, and violation of rights, but have not focused on the realities of women in Yakurr and Ejagham societies. This study discovered that within the Yakurr and Egagham cultures of Cross River State, women’s experiences differ considerably. The specific objectives of the study were to examine and identify the differences in women experiences. The study adopted the African feminist theory propounded by Filomina Chioma Steady and Anna Ihle and the radical feminist theory propounded by Kate Millet. To achieve the objectives, the study was carried out through the qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. The study recommended among other things that since the statistical and non-statistical evidence from the field trip showed that 62.7 of the respondents strongly agreed that women are excluded from participating in communal land issues and several other concerns.There is, therefore, the need to enact policies that will abrogate such cultural practices. This will bring about a unified experiences of women to enable them speak as a voice in their struggle for relevance in the society. The study further revealed that there is a significant mean difference of 3.98 in terms of female participation in traditional ruling council of Ejagham people as against an insignificant mean of 1.65as observed among the Ekori people, both of Cross River State of Nigeria. The study concludes by recommending, among other recommendations that the Nigerian government should enact laws and will stop all forms of gender discrimination.