Role of women in Africa: marriage, birth and disease in the life of the Hausa women in Nigeria by Luitgard Fleischer
This review highlights the central role of Hausa women in Nigeria as obedient wives expected to bear many sons, with marriages arranged by families and often polygamous under Islamic law. Women live in purdah until menopause, and divorce is permitted, often due to childbearing issues. The book also explores mother-child relationships, healing customs, and societal views on illness.
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The review of a book concerning the role of women of the Hausa tribe in Nigeria is presented. The central role of women in the Hausa society is to be good wives: i.e., obedient, chaste, and able to bear many sons. Marriages are arranged by the families and are officialized by the bride's father and the groom. Women must live in separation from public life (purdah) until menopause. Divorce is possible in the society; either party can initiate divorce proceedings, with the woman's failure to bear a child usually being the main reason for either party. Marriage can be polygamous according to Islamic law, which leads to the development of a ranking order among the wives. The book also discusses the mother-child relationship in this society and its healing customs and conception of illness.
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