DISCOURSE ON GENDER DISCRIMINATION IN OLA ROTIMI’S OUR HUSBAND HAS GONE MAD AGAIN

Abstract

The rate of gender discrimination against women in Nigerian economic, social and political strata is alarming, despite the adoption of the United Nations convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women in 1985 and similar local policies, such as the National Gender Policy of 2006. Gender discrimination still exists in Nigeria, due to myriads of cultural, political and economic ethos. This has constrained women in all economic strata with serious effects on human resource development and capacity building. Over the years, despite the enormous roles played by women, the society has not struck a balance to ensure egalitarianism. The female folk have become targets of violence, humiliation and object of ridicule, as they battle to retain social, economic and political equilibrium. This study is therefore undertaken to show how gender discrimination has affected the productivity of the Nigerian Nation using drama as an instrument. The study employs Content Analysis Methodology, using both primary and secondary sources as well a carefully selected Ola Rotimi's Our Husband Has Gone Mad Again, in x-raying the effects of gender discrimination, problems associated with it as well as recommend ways of eliminating them. The study observed that the high magnitude of gender stereotype in Nigeria is the reason behind the low rate of participation of women in politics and the alarming rate of underdevelopment in the country. It finally recommends a quick implementation of the United Nations 1985 conversation on the eradication of gender discrimination against women in addition to creating enabling laws for prosecution and punishment of offenders as well as encouraging women to remain resolute until true freedom is achieved.