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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | The status of women in traditional Yoruba society: autonomy, influence and power |
Authors: | Ebijuwa, T. Afolabi, A.B. |
Year: | 1997 |
Periodical: | Afrikanistische Arbeitspapiere: Schriftenreihe des Kölner Instituts für Afrikanistik |
Issue: | 49 |
Pages: | 21-30 |
Language: | English |
Geographic term: | Nigeria |
Subjects: | Yoruba traditional society women |
Abstract: | The authors argue that in traditional Yoruba society (Nigeria, Benin, Togo) women were not considered inferior to men. Women wielded political and economic influence which varied from one place to another. In almost every royal court of the Yoruba women occupied high positions and in Yoruba rituals women's roles were indispensable. Yoruba society creates room for individuals to pursue their goals and fulfil their aspirations. The level of development of an individual is determined by the amount of effort put into activity. To emphasize this sense of individuality, freedom and equality, the authors analyse the myth of Iwa, wife of the god of wisdom. Notes, ref. |