SEXUAL EXPLOITATION AND THE NIGERIAN CIVIL WAR: A STUDY OF ISIDORE OKPEWHO’S THE LAST DUTY

Don Emenike, Success Asuzu

Abstract


This study examines sexual exploitation of women in Nigerian war novels. It attempts to explain women’s sexual experiences and the implication of non-consensual sexual relationship on women and the wider society using Okpewho’s The Last Duty. In order to achieve the aim of the study, the feminist objectification theory is applied to the analysis of relevant incidents in the novels .The findings show that in the novel, the female character notably, Aku is sexually exploited and objectified through her use as an object of sexual pleasure by the male characters. The study also shows that the experiences of the women are occasioned by the war situation. Aku, for instances, was sexually exploited by Chief Toje and Odibo, who merely used her to satisfy their sexual urges without caring about her humanity .

Keywords


War, Sexual exploitation, Gender, Isidore Okpewho,

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