In the process of solving a given society’s various issues, the mechanisms that typically originated from the same society are more relevant and suitable than other approaches from another society’s contextual reality. Though there are internationally approved perspectives to be applied at the global level, some unique and sensitive issues, like gender did require theories that suit the given societies’ real background. In this regard, Akie (1994) strongly argued that in the study of gender, perspectives that rose from Africa itself are more appropriate to tangibly address the problem and to look for solutions than American and Western viewpoints, which echo their own experience on the subject.
With these logical grounds African theoreticians, critics and philosophers posit frameworks after studying and understanding the sociocultural reality of the continent. They recommend theoretical frameworks for African gender issues as an indigenous knowledge request for examining the issue contextually.
Among African feminist critics, Akachi Adimora Ezeigabo (2013) is the one who approaches the subject to be mirrored in a perspective of her proposed theory. She had introduced the idea of Snail Sense African Feminism as the best method for examining women and men interaction and gender based participation in certain competitive areas.
As part of Africa, Ethiopia has a shared experience and similar sociocultural background particularly in gender based attitudes and treatments. As studies approved, patriarchy is commonly dominating the continent and Ethiopia to a different extent and style of application. Even in a country, the severity, depth and ways of implementation could vary as per the types of the societies’ culture and social construction background.
The basic points raised in this theory and Ethiopian patriarchal experience at each idea are going to be addressed in the paragraphs under.
The first logical assimilation of the snail that Ezeigabo recommended African women to act like is the natural creation of the snail body itself. The snail carries its house at its back without feeling its strain. It keeps going to its target with no complaints. Like this animal, African women need to know and tolerate the patriarchy that pressed them over their shoulder and keep moving to achieve their life goal instead of ceasing their walk till their shoulder gets free which, I believe, could not happen at a time.
In Ethiopia, different studies, literary outputs and successful women biographies show that though male domination is prevalent in their society, girls and women did recognize their subordination but move through it strategically so as to find a space for their voice. Instances can be mentioned from the Amharic novel called ‘Nibut’. The protagonist in this book was very strong and active in identifying appropriate situations for availing herself and was very committed to attaining her goal. In real-life circumstances too, most successful women disclose that they were well informed about patriarchy and that they move on it patiently not by confronting it. In the Zimbabwean novel called ‘Nervous Conditions’, the major character Tambu was an alerted and cautious character about the depth of patriarchy. Its prevalence didn’t prevent her from setting her goal and achieving it successfully.
The second trait of the animal that the theory proposes to be adopted by Africa women is the escaping mechanism of the animal. In their move towards their needed destiny, snails could face plenty of unexpected challenges. Thus, when danger looms, the animal withdraws its shell and escapes from the danger. Like the snail deed, women can get into the patriarchy when they face challenges basing their femininity. The major character in ‘Nibut’ was strong in her education. She respects the norms of the society. She was accomplishing her assigned roles; like taking care of household chores in her family. She was too shy and stayed in the kitchens rather than equally portraying her idea before elder peoples and males. But when the situation gets calm, she turns her face to her education.
Successful women in politics, business, education and others especially those who are from rural areas had passed through the social norms and subversions strategically. Male takes the priority though the female is older in age in most of the families. I can infer my own experience here. Even though I am the first child for my family, the most recognized and adored one was my younger brother. I was one of the top students in my class and took higher levels as my male counterparts. But it was not the concern of my family. Instead my mother, particularly, was usually tense with the low achiever younger brother. Her worry is the pass marks of him, not my top score. I was not affected by her and the family for their unfairness. I let them get beside him, and I get stuck on my goal more than ever. I keep on achieving good scores with the allotted household chores. My intention was on how to exceed those who score more than me. It was my education that could only help me to enjoy a good life not only for me but for my family too.
I achieved my goal. I got my first degree. But my brother had failed the entrance exam and became the burden of the family. After I got employed in a university, I took him with me and sponsored him to continue his diploma at a private college. After he got his diploma, I helped him do his own business and form his own life. He is now married and leading a better life.
The third point raised in the theory is the smooth physical nature of the animal. Snails are not strong creatures, they could be crushed easily. Yet they didn’t hesitate to climb trees, to pass thorny and spiky surfaces, cross rocky and harsh situations, they pass them systematically, they didn’t confront them because they are very soft and weak in nature. Females are very soft and suave in nature than males. This nature of them is the base of the scholar to create an association with this animal. But they are more active and cautious, I believe, than males. Thus, to get equal inclusion with males, females should be smart in applying their natural ability.
As an instance, let’s infer the personal stories of successful women. In the interview which was made with Amb. Mulu Solomon (PhD) who delegates her country in German was expressive in narrating her profile for the journalist. She was from a big family and her father passed away when she was only five. It was her mother who took care of her and the other six children alone. Though her mother is living in rural areas and was reproached by relatives to quit especially females’ education, she never accepted the advice. She paid all costs to help her children succeed in their education. Mulu was supposed to cross 83 km away from her family to continue her education. She said she was passing through lots of challenges that emanated from the patriarchal perceptions of the people around her.
She got her degree successfully and served at different levels. She continued her second degree with challenging times, being pregnant with twins. She never ceased it though she was looking after her twins. She managed it as a mother and student at a time. In her dialogue, she also mentioned that while she was nominated by her colloquies for directing Chamber of Commerce, male competitors and even women around her were trying to humiliate her by her femininity and null experience to the position. As she said; she was very strong in her decision and she was not in quarrel with them. She just kept on moving to the competition without losing her intimacy with those people who attempt to demoralize her. Then, she won and achieved the position peacefully. Besides winning over patriarchy, she implemented a new working culture and increased the number of members. Following her step, democratic elections of the leaders were adopted after she left it for higher responsibility. Though I brought up an individual narration here, this story, I believe, is the story of the most successful Ethiopian girls.
To sum up, although I accepted that knowing the prevalence and intensity of patriarchy and living in it strategically is the immediate solution women can do, avoiding it at every sphere of competition is absolutely necessary to fasten development and form modern society. But since the perception of the society regarding patriarchy had been formed culturally and religiously for longer periods, drastic social change in a time is impossible. Thus, till its eradication, girls should stay smart and cautious to penetrate it to meet with their life goal.
BY MEKDES TAYE (PHD)
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 31 MAY 2024
