De-Stigmatizing Sex-Working and Re-Asserting the Humanity of the Female Figure in African Literature

Abstract

The literary sphere is replete with the female figure as sex-workers and objects of sexual exploitation, for gratification and pleasure, and are classified as such. This goes with denigration and stigmatization. Remarkably, culpability about the objectification of the female, especially young girls lies with the men of varied ages, and class. These girls are usually betrayed and abandoned, consequently leaving them stranded and in very hopeless situation. The general conception, even certain studies postulate that females indulging in sexual adventure and trapped in sex trafficking are classified as prostitution, immediately connoting sex in exchange for money. Fictional representations abound which throw up instances of such stereotypes. But traducers have neglected to question the humanity of the so-called sex-workers, the circumstances surrounding their identity and the environment of existence. This study takes a reverse trajectory to inquire and adduce the fact that those class of females are only leaving out their humanity and sexuality, but are merely caught up in the intricacies of a disadvantaged environment. Using the framework of ecofeminism, this paper embarks on a literary analysis of girls who are enamored by curiosity, desire and emotion to explore their femininity, but are caught in the trap. The primary texts are Okey Ndibe’s Arrows of Rain and Kaine Agary’s Yellow Yellow which explore issues of objectification and betrayal of the key female characters, who are used and dumped like the environment that are constantly being abused. The study sues for empathy and recognition of rights and humanity of the females.