Analysis of Neshani Andreas's The Purple Violet of Oshaantu as a Presentation of the Writer's Liberal African Feminist Thought to the Inequalities of Rural Namibian Women

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study examines the plight of women's rights in a Namibian Oshiwambo traditional male-dominated society, a concept that has not been fully explored in Namibian literature. The article uses the liberal African feminist theoretical framework, whose main argument is that men and women are not different and they should be treated equally. These feminists identify the main cause of female oppression as male domination. The aim of this research is to enable the reader to understand the impact of male dominance as the source of gender inequality and injustice against rural women and to erode the belief that women are inferior to men, highlighting Namibian rural women's capability of owning property and becoming self-reliant. Hence, the study uses Neshani Andreas's work to express this concern and seeks to pave the way to challenge all forms of male domination in an attempt for women to regain their voice, identity, and rights.