Patriarchy and Gender Inequality

The Bakossi community that Alobwed’Epie portrays in The Lady with a Beard is largely patriarchal. Patriarchy is a social system in which men hold greater authority and power, while women are often expected to occupy subordinate positions. In such a system, women’s opinions, abilities, and actions may be considered less important than those of men.

It is this patriarchal belief system that causes Emade to suffer alienation in her own community, as some men refuse to recognise or accept her courage and abilities. Her actions challenge the traditional expectations of what women are permitted to do. For instance, her decision to dig Méchane’s grave and play the traditional drum brings her into conflict with the male-dominated traditional authorities.

Unfortunately, the women in the community also help to reinforce patriarchal values, as they strongly conform to and enforce societal expectations placed on women. Rather than supporting Emade’s resistance, some of them ostracise her for challenging established norms.

As a result of this rejection and discrimination, Emade eventually seeks refuge in Christianity. Her refusal to accept that only a male soothsayer can properly perform divination for her further demonstrates her resistance to traditional practices that place authority and spiritual power primarily in the hands of men.