“ The Girl Who Can” talks about Adjoa, a little African girl living in a traditional society. The purpose and theme of the author is to highlight the rights of women in our society. Since historical times, women have been denied most of the rights that men get to enjoy. In this short story, as a female, Adjoa attempts to fight for the rights. She resides in a traditional society where the people believe her opinions and ideas are irrelevant. Her society does not believe that women are supposed to attend school and express themselves. They believe that the role of women is to get married, be a mother, and address to the family needs. This clearly seen clearly from the neighbors of Adjoa and her grandmother where they state, “You see how neither way of hearing me out can encourage me to express my thoughts too often?” (12). Another statement revealing the stereotype of women includes, “School is another thing Nana and my mother discussed often and appeared to have different ideas about” (15). It is evident that that the society Adjoa lives in does not realize that it is not necessary for a woman to be married and bear children for her to be powerful and perfect. Therefore, Adjoa attempts to prove that a woman can be imperfect and still be powerful and such stereotypes does not define a woman.
Offering insights on the stereotypes of women established and conceptualized by society is one of the main element from the story, which the author uses to accomplish the purpose and theme. The authors feels that these stereotypes needs to be eradicated so that women can have their voice and power. Women have been living based on the perceptive and believes of society for many years now, which has made women be perceived as weak and inferior to men. The way Adjoa opens the heart of her grandmother is an indication that women’s movement can be achieved and women can become successful just like men.
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Reference
Ama Ata Aidoo. (2002). The Girl who Can : And Other Stories . Heinemann.
