Unveiling the Depths of the African Woman Experience: An Africana Womanist Interpretation of Sefi Atta's Swallow

Abstract

This study is an attempt to analyse Sefi Atta's novel Swallow (2010), from an Africana womanist perspective. The objective is to contribute a deeper and more unique understanding of the African woman’s experience. Additionally, it seeks to challenge the superficial labelling of S. Atta as merely a feminist, based on Western standards. The research adequately demonstrates the key features of Africana womanism that are effectively integrated by the female protagonists in Swallow. The traits of these womanists encompass authenticity, true affiliation via sisterhood, compatibility with males and a natural aptitude for mothering and caring. This study assesses the African woman’s struggle against patriarchal oppression and subjugation, aided by the doctrines of Africana womanism. The research highlights the importance of Africana womanism as an essential theoretical framework for evaluating women's experiences and accomplishments in African and African American literature, using the principles of Africana womanism