Abstract: African indigenous women have always been underrated in scholarly discourses though instrumental in the growth and survival of local economies. It is in this regard that this paper highlights the status of the Mamfe women and their roles in the domain of artistry, fishing, agriculture, palm oil/kernel production, salt production, the sewing service, education and skilled jobs, investments and, trade in the years, 1922-1961. The paper argues that female labour was the most contributing factor to food production, household upkeep and the growth of the local economy of Mamfe in British Southern Cameroon. It debunks the untested opinions of some Cameroonians that associated the Mamfe women to solely prostitution- a perception that ignored the women’s potentials and the vital role of female labour. The data analysed was collected from primary sources: oral interviews with targeted participants and witnesses, archival materials and theses and, secondary sources: published books, journals and the internet. The historical mode has been used, largely qualitative analysis presented in a thematic manner. Findings reveal that during the years reviewed, Mamfe women were suppressed and engulfed in a patriarchy culture. Yet, they were the backbones of households; ensured food security and stirred the growth of the Mamfe economy. The, paper concludes that women are a key resource in rural economies as exemplified in Mamfe, which is reflective of other parts of Africa including Cameroon. Implementing gender-based policies would therefore enhance women’s participation in the development of rural economies- a prerequisite to food security and poverty alleviation in Mamfe- Cameroon and Africas in general.
Keywords: Indigenous Women; Local Economy, Mamfe, British Southern Cameroon.
Title: EXPLORING THE STATUS AND ROLES OF INDIGENOUS WOMEN WITHIN THE LOCAL ECONOMY OF MAMFE IN BRITISH SOUTHERN CAMEROON, 1922-1961
Author: Tabi James Ndip
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
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