UNVEILING THE VEILED STRUGGLES: GENDER, MARRIAGE, AND PROSTITUTION IN ON BLACK SISTERS' STREET

Abstract

This study employs Simone de Beauvoir's Existentialist Feminism to explore the themes of gender, marriage, and prostitution in Chika Unigwe's On Black Sisters' Street. De Beauvoir's theory posits that women exist as the "Other," marginalized by societal structures, and encourages an examination of their action within these constraints. The analysis focuses on the characters of Joyce, Efe, Ama, and Sisi, revealing how they grapple with their identities, desires, and the realities of prostitution. The study investigates the intersection of gender roles, cultural expectations, economic hardships, migration, and globalization, all of which drive these women to engage in prostitution for survival. De Beauvoir's existentialist perspective illuminates the tension between personal desires and societal norms, prompting readers to question and challenge deeply ingrained conventions that restrict women's autonomy. As the characters' stories unfold, their struggles reflect broader issues faced by women in contemporary African society. The concept of tyrannical femininity, proposed by Khadidiatou Gueye, emphasizes the strength and resilience of women who defy societal norms to pursue their dreams. Through this analysis, the study unveils the silent battles of these women, shedding light on the complexities of their lives. It calls for a reevaluation of prevailing narratives surrounding gender, marriage, and prostitution. Simone de Beauvoir's Existentialist Feminism offers a valuable framework to understand the characters' experiences, fostering a deeper appreciation of the challenges women confront in their quest for development and selfdetermination.