Female Education: Panacea for Poverty Reduction and Inclusive Development in Nigeria. A case study of Tsitsi Dangarembga's Nervous Condition and Mariama Ba' So Long A Letter

Abstract

This paper focuses the relationship of female Education and it's importance in the societal 
development. It has been of note in this 21st century, how the females have come on ground to 
be a good agent of change in the society. Issues of female, nature and society are interwoven 
because they are both interrelated and are both affected by the patriarchal hegemony which 
exists in the society. The females of recent, have been having a consensus that the females 
should be allowed to be educated, which is a fundamental factor of inclusive development and 
a good tools for poverty reduction. This research work will examine two literary texts, which 
are Tsitsi Dangarembga's Nervous Condition and Mariama Ba's So Long A Letter, through 
the Ecofeminism Theory of how Ecosphere as a binary entity of male/female and nature/culture 
have a great impact on female education and societal development. The books themes of 
poverty, feminine challenges and actualization of their dreams and how they finally succeed in 
contributing immensely to the societal development and reduction of poverty in their society 
will be examined. The books emphasise that female education, can lead to a reduction of 
poverty either directly or indirectly. Females if empowered will have a good resultant effect on 
the society in order to create equity in the society for better opportunities which can lead to 
improved social, political and economic outcomes. The study concludes that female education 
is an effective tool in reducing poverty and promoting inclusive development. Further research 
is required to understand the behavioural changes around female education and the different 
ways by which it can be used to promote growth, reduce poverty and ensure great inclusion.