WOMEN AND NATION BUILDING: A STUDY OF NGUGI AND MUGO’S THE TRIAL OF DEDAN KIMATHI AND TESS ONWUEME’S TELL IT TO WOMEN

Abstract

This study examines the role of women in nation building as seen in Ngugi and Mugo’s The Trial of Dedan Kimathi and Tess Onwueme’s Tell it to Women. It analyses the functions of literature in the society and women’s participation i n nation building which is an important ingredient in achieving an equitable, peaceful and more prosperous society in a male constructed world. The role of women in nation building can no longer be overlooked in this contemporary African society ; this is w hy many African writers try to remould and project the image of women in the ir works by presenting them as advocators for social change in a disintegrated and disorganized society. Ngugi , Mugo and Onwueme in their above mentioned plays present women as ge nts of social consciousness , mothers and advocators for change; these women are also represented as symbolic figures of nationalism and patriotism as they engage in the fight for a better and well ordered society. Therefore, these women are represented in the plays as reckoned forces of struggle for independence and social development.