Victims and Survivors: An Exploration of Abuse against Women and Possibilities for Women Empowerment as Portrayed in Selected Zimbabwean Literary Texts

Abstract

Summary Using a simple qualitative approach based on library desk study, this article explores Tagwira’s The Uncertainty of Hope (2006), Dangarembga’s Nervous Conditions (2004) and She No Longer Weeps (1996) to ascertain if traditional norms and practices that oppress women are evident in these selected works of art. Further, the article analyses the literary works to unpack the reasons for the abuse of women and to explore why women tolerate abusive relationships instead of freeing themselves from such dehumanising scenarios. Finally, the article interrogates any possibilities available in helping abused women to free themselves from abuse. The analysis of the selected texts was conducted from the perspective of marginality. From the study of the chosen texts, the article establishes that women experience different forms of abuse yet stay in the abusive relationships for reasons which include the protection of patriarchal value systems, the fear of rejection by society, financial dependence and for their love of their children among others. It also emerged from this investigation that women need to be empowered through education and entrepreneurial skills in order to be self-sufficient so that they can leave abusive relationships and provide for their own well-being. The article also argues that the way men and women are socialised should also change and there is need for robust re-orientation across the social divide about gender equality and sensitivity. The conclusion the article makes is that women continue to stay in abusive relationships because of patriarchal values, norms and practices which see women as marginalised beings.