The Typical African Woman ( a review of "SO LONG A LETTER" written by Mariama 'Ba, reviewed by Gift Samuel)

The author of the novel So Long a Letter Mariama 'Ba tried earnestly to reveal the inequalities between women and men in modern-day African society through the sad recount of the protagonist Ramatoulaye's narration of her letter to her friend Aissatou, whose own tragic end of her Marriage to Mawado Bi further revealed the gender inequality which often time archaic traditions and misguided religion plays a huge role in making the African women seem a victim .

The story was set in Dakar Senegal and written in 1980, the author Mariama 'Ba among many other African authors was a pioneer of women's Rights and was committed to revealing the inequalities that exist between women and men in Africa by eradicating the archaic practices, traditions and, customs that often project the African women as weak.

Has there been a progression since the author wrote the book I must say no, sadly African women still face the same stereotypical harassments from these traditions and customs as single women, in getting an education, in finding a career path, and also in their marriages. ©

G.O.S