WOMEN AS VICTIMS OF ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION IN THE NIGER DELTA

SOURCE:

Faculty: Arts
Department: English Language & Literature

CONTRIBUTORS:

Elezieanya Chioma
Nwadigwe Charles

ABSTRACT:

This research examines the female folk as victims in the degraded Niger Delta of Nigeria, using select texts of Kaine Agary, Tanure Ojaide, Vincent Egbuson and Million John. The Niger Delta region has suffered great devastation as a result of humanity’s recklessness and inordinate exploitation of natural resources. Oil spills, gas flares and cutting of pristine forests are some of the activities that foster environmental degradation in the area. This study employs eco feminism which suggests a link between the denigration of the women and the violation of the environment as theoretical framework. The statement of the problem is that there has been palpable multiplicity of environmental issues in the Niger Delta, especially as it affects females in the region. This, thus, has agitated concern towards a conscious probing as to how this ailing challenge can be ameliorated, if not, arrested wholly. The purpose of the study interrogates the Niger Delta environment and how the various shades of degradation affect the females physically, psychologically, emotionally and economically. In the literary work as explored by the writers, this study finds women and young girls at the centre of the pillaged lot and the most exploited group. This study concludes that women, irrespective of their environmental, gender and cultural challenges remain resilient as they strive as indispensable partners in the struggle to redeem their ailing environment.