Nafasi Na Athari Ya Kiongozi Wa Kike Katika Tamthilia Teule Za Kiswahili Syekei

Abstract

Literature is any work of creative imagination deemed to have artistic or intellectual value that deploys language in a way that differs from ordinary usage. It includes spoken and sung texts. The very basic forms of literature include: poetry, drama, fiction and non fiction. Literature feeds the soul and for great literal scholars it is the only asset that gives a clear picture of a given society. Great literal works resonate readers across centuries by telling the human condition today as it was when printed word was first produced. Literal works are a central part of many lives by providing a gateway to a deeper level of thought by unlocking culture of a time period, giving wisdom to modern society, broadening the mind as well as helping one write well. Little attention has been given on the role and challenges faced by the women leaders in Africa. On this basis, our research has deemed it fit to critically examine and analyse content to highlight on their role and influence in the larger society. This research fully examined and explained the role and challenges faces by women leaders. Our main concern was to know if women leaders had realized their cross gender relations and attitudes as leaders inorder to fully understand their society. Our research was focused on analysing content from four Kiswahili written plays commonly known as drama. The plays to analyse were; Kilio cha Haki, Pango, Sudana and Posa za Bikisiwa. Drama genre potrays serious presentations or stories that show realistic characters in conflict either with themselves, others or forces of nature. This genre showed human beings at their best, worst and everything in-between. Our main area of study was the theme of leadership. This theme has played a large role in developing the plot of the selected plays. It helped develop character, role and influence the women leaders had on the diverse societies the plays were staged. According to the feminist literary theory, which was used as a guide in the analysis of the data in this study, women leaders threaten the men domain. Leadership was a men domain for centuries in many African societies. Due to world awakening and change of guard, affirmative action has taken centre stage. Despite the many challenges faced, women leaders now are having a positive influence in many African societies. Purposive sampling was used due to its reliability for our study. By employing it we were able to get representative information about the study topic. The results of this study have shed light on societal attitudes towards women leaders. This research would be of great importance to Kiswahili readers and reseachers of literature. This study has also identified and recommended topics of future research in literal works related to this area.