Abstract

In this presentation, the various cultural factors which inhibit the advancement of women in their struggles to make a better living are examined. The aim is to ensure that an enabling environment which will empower the women is created in order to pave the way for them to make maximum contributions to the development of their society. This is based on recorded experiences gathered from Africa which include aspects of culture such as religious, economic and social factors that have been  misapplied by some men to ensure that the women are perpetually subjugated to suit their purpose. Again, through cultural institutions like the family, marriage and kingship structures, limitations are placed on the aspirations of the women. For example, the female cannot freely like her male counterpart aspire to become a King, Priest, or Imam as the society forbids her from making an attempt to occupy such positions. It is noted that in our traditional society such as the Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa, Mandinka, the Tukulor, women are generally not allowed to participate in most of the decision making processes that affect their lives. It is observed that the women have great potentials that will impact positively on the society when it is properly harnessed in relation to that of the men. It is therefore submitted that when an equal opportunity is created for both male and female, the society will benefit as well as develop because every segment will be contributing to its welfare.

Keywords: Cultural inhibitions, Women empowerment, African women, Better living