Nations in Africa, Were Able

¶ … nations in Africa, were able to obtain their independence from the European powers a shift has occurred in lives of women. Where, they have been obtaining greater rights, yet they have also been subject to tremendous amounts of brutality. To fully understand what is taking place requires looking at: the solutions that have been offered, if they are effective and areas that have been overlooked. Once this occurs, it will provide the greatest insights as to the role of African women in contemporary societies and how they can be addressed. (Mgkbo, 2010)

What solutions have been offered?

The most obvious solution that has been offered to African women is that they have been given greater amounts of: social equality and upward economic mobility. Evidence of this can be seen in many urban areas, as they now have a choice in determining who they will marry. At the same time, they are often given an equal voice in the relationship. This is a dramatic change from traditional society, with many women often having their partners chosen for them by their families. Part of the reason for this, is because of the role that women have played in the independence movements and in society after this time. This is significant, because these transformations have meant that women are playing an important part within a number of different African countries. (Duiker, 2010, pp. 732 -- 733)

How effective have they been?

The effects of these changes have meant that a larger number of women have been given greater opportunities in comparison with the past. Yet, in many rural areas and parts of urban society they have made limited gains. This is because the underlying amounts of change have been slowly occurring. (Duiker, 2010, pp. 732 -- 733)

A good example of this can be seen by looking no further than, within many contemporary marriages inside Africa. What has been happening is that women will often have a separation from their husbands when it comes to: income and property ownership. This is because many of the traditional lines in some areas have not been crossed. As a result, women have made tremendous amounts of gains in select areas in society. While at other times, these underlying effects have been limited. Over the course of time, this has caused the changes that have been occurring to have varying effects in: select regions and nations around the continent. (Duiker, 2010, pp. 732 -- 733)

Are there any solutions that have been overlooked?