WOMEN

This study examines the oppression of women in Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart" and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's "Purple Hibiscus", highlighting how patriarchal structures shape the experiences of female characters in both novels. Although the texts are set in different historical periods, they reveal the persistent subjugation of women within Nigerian society. In "Things Fall Apart", Achebe portrays a traditional Igbo society where women are marginalized, denied authority, and valued primarily for their domestic and reproductive roles. Through characters such as Ekwefi and Ezinma, the novel exposes the limitations imposed on women despite their resilience and contributions to society. Similarly, "Purple Hibiscus"presents the oppression of women within the modern family setting, where Beatrice and Kambili suffer emotional, psychological, and physical abuse under the authoritarian rule of Eugene. Adichie critiques both patriarchy and religious extremism as instruments of female subjugation while emphasizing women's strength and resistance. Using feminist literary theory as a framework, this study analyzes the forms, causes, and consequences of women's oppression in the two novels. The findings reveal that despite differences in context, both authors expose gender inequality and advocate for the recognition of women's rights, dignity, and agency. The study concludes that the novels serve as powerful critiques of patriarchal domination and contribute to ongoing discussions on gender justice and female empowerment in African literature.

This study examined the prevalence and causes of maternal mortality among women in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Maternal mortality, defined as the death of a woman during pregnancy or within 42 days of the termination of pregnancy, remains one of the most critical public health challenges in developing nations, especially Nigeria. Despite national and global efforts to reduce maternal deaths through initiatives such as the Safe Motherhood Initiative, Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Nigeria continues to rank among the countries with the highest maternal mortality ratio (MMR) globally. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design, and data were collected from one hundred (100) women of reproductive age (15–45 years) selected through random sampling from various wards within Oredo Local Government Area. A structured questionnaire was the main instrument for data collection. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation to interpret the responses according to the research questions. Findings revealed that maternal mortality in Oredo Local Government Area is influenced by both medical and non-medical factors. The major causes identified include lack of access to skilled birth attendants, poor nutrition, delay in seeking medical attention, cultural beliefs, and poor road infrastructure, with a grand mean of 3.30. The educational status of women also plays a significant role (grand mean = 3.24), as illiteracy and low awareness contribute to poor maternal health decisions. Income level emerged as a crucial determinant (grand mean = 3.58), as low-income women often cannot afford quality healthcare, leading to home deliveries and increased mortality. Similarly, deficiencies within the healthcare system such as shortage of qualified personnel, inadequate facilities, and poor emergency services were found to significantly enhance maternal mortality (grand mean = 3.17). The study concluded that maternal mortality in Oredo LGA results from an interplay of socio-economic, educational, cultural, and infrastructural factors. It therefore recommended improved investment in healthcare infrastructure, promotion of women’s education, economic empowerment initiatives, and stronger maternal health awareness campaigns. The study contributes to existing sociological and public health knowledge by emphasizing that maternal mortality is not only a medical issue but also a manifestation of broader social and structural inequalities that demand multidimensional interventions