Women in the traditional African societies

Abstract

Generalizations about the role and status of women in traditional African societies, as for other aspects of African life, are not easy to make because Africa is not one cultural area. It is marked by great cultural and linguistic diversities, and any statement which can ho made about one trite may to altogether inapplicable to another, even in one geographical sub-region. A proper understanding of the status and role of women in traditional African societies therefore involves an appreciation of the different cultural patterns within which they are brought up, and of the family and tribal customs in each of those multitudinous societies which decree the exact place given to each member, the respect duo to each and the duties und privileges which membership of a family confers.