An exploration into the political and social factors influence patriarchy and repression of

women.

Introduction:
Today, we will explore the topic of patriarchy and the repression of women in literature and
art. Specifically, we will be looking at how this theme is explored in Chinua Achebe's "Things
Fall Apart" and Liza Donnelly's cartoons. We will also be discussing how the political and
social factors influence patriarchy and the repression of women in different cultures.

Body:
"Things Fall Apart" is a novel that is set in pre-colonial Nigeria, which was a patriarchal
society that was heavily influenced by tradition and religion. In this society, men held
positions of power and women were expected to be subservient to men. The novel explores
the consequences of this societal structure, particularly on the female characters. Okonkwo,
the main character, is a powerful man who is deeply invested in upholding traditional
values. He believes that women should be obedient and submissive to their husbands and
that they have no place in the public sphere. This belief is challenged when his daughter,
Ezinma, shows intelligence and strength, qualities that are not traditionally associated with
women. Similarly, his second wife, Ekwefi, rebels against traditional gender roles by running
away from her husband to be with Okonkwo. These characters serve as a commentary on
the limitations that are placed on women in patriarchal societies and the consequences of
challenging these limitations.

The subjugation of women and patriarchy are both topics that are addressed in the cartoons
created by Liza Donnelly. A history of the fight for women's rights, beginning in 1848 and
continuing up until the current day, is depicted in a cartoon named "The Development of
Feminism." The cartoon brings attention to both the achievements that have been
accomplished in terms of women's rights and the obstacles that women still must overcome
today. In another cartoon, dubbed "The Glass Ceiling," a group of women are seen
attempting to shatter a glass ceiling in order to advance their careers and attain positions of
authority. These cartoons offer a commentary on the ways in which social barriers, such as
the glass ceiling, limit the options available to women as well as the necessity of continuing
to make progress in the struggle for gender equality.

It is essential to recognise the significance of the political and social variables in playing a
key part in the formation of patriarchy and the suppression of women in a variety of cultural
contexts. The way women are treated in "Things Fall Apart" is significantly impacted by the
way in which religion and tradition influence the structure of society as a whole. In a similar
vein, Liza Donnelly's cartoons frequently touch upon political problems that are associated
with women's rights, such as equal pay and reproductive rights. In many different societies,
the way in which women are treated is still heavily influenced by political and social forces.
This might take the form of law or societal conventions.
The act of cutting or cutting and mutilating a woman's genitalia is known as female genital
mutilation (FGM) and is performed in several nations in Africa. It is commonly seen as a rite
of passage into womanhood and is founded on the concept that the practise helps a girl
maintain her chastity and purity throughout her life. Yet, female genital mutilation (FGM)
can lead to serious health issues and is a violation of women's rights. Ikemefuna, a character
in "Things Fall Apart," is sacrificed as part of a ritual, which serves as a criticism on the ways
in which tradition may be used to justify violence against oppressed communities. The
character's death is shown as a ceremonial sacrifice. In a similar vein, Liza Donnelly's
cartoons frequently highlight the issue of violence against women and the critical necessity
for preventative measures to be implemented.

Another aspect that is worth exploring is the intersectionality of patriarchy with other forms
of oppression, such as racism and classism. In "Things Fall Apart," we see how the
oppression of women is further compounded by the fact that the women in the story are
also marginalized in other ways. For example, the character of Ekwefi is not only oppressed
because of her gender, but also because she is a poor widow. Similarly, the character of
Okonkwo's mother is ostracized because she is an outcast, and her gender further limits her
opportunities. This intersectionality is also reflected in Liza Donnelly's cartoons, as many of
her works address issues of race and class in addition to gender.

Another point worth exploring is the impact of patriarchy on men. In "Things Fall Apart," we
see how Okonkwo's adherence to traditional gender roles has a negative impact on his
relationships with women and with his own children. Similarly, Liza Donnelly's cartoons
often address the harmful effects of toxic masculinity and the need for men to also
challenge traditional gender roles. By promoting a more inclusive and equitable
understanding of gender, we can create a society that is better for everyone, regardless of
gender identity.

It is also worth noting that patriarchy and the repression of women are not limited to
traditional societies or cultures. In modern society, we still see examples of gender-based
discrimination and oppression. Liza Donnelly's cartoons often address contemporary issues,
such as the #MeToo movement and the gender pay gap. These works highlight the need for
ongoing progress in the fight for gender equality, as well as the continued relevance of the
themes explored in "Things Fall Apart."
Finally, it is important to consider the role of education in challenging patriarchy and
promoting gender equality. In "Things Fall Apart," we see how education can be a tool for
challenging traditional gender roles, as the character of Nwoye learns to think critically and
question the values of his society. Similarly, Liza Donnelly's cartoons often address the need
for education in promoting gender equality and challenging harmful stereotypes. By
educating ourselves and others on these issues, we can work towards a more just and
equitable society for all.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, patriarchy and the repression of women are themes that are explored in both
"Things Fall Apart" and Liza Donnelly's cartoons. These works highlight the consequences of
traditional gender roles on individual characters and the need for progress in the fight for
gender equality. It is also important to recognize the role that political and social factors
play in shaping the treatment of women in different cultures. Through works of literature
and art, such as "Things Fall Apart" and Liza Donnelly's cartoons, we can gain a better
understanding of the complex issue of patriarchy and the repression of women. As we
continue to navigate the global conversation on gender equality, it is important to recognize
the importance of addressing these issues and striving for progress. By challenging
traditional gender roles and advocating for equal rights and opportunities, we can work
towards a more equitable and just society for all.