* Social and economic oppression: Women are largely confined to domestic roles, denied access to education and economic opportunities, and subject to the whims of men.
* Limited agency and freedom: Their choices are often dictated by family, tradition, and societal expectations, leaving them with little control over their lives.
* The burden of motherhood: The pressure to conform to the ideal of motherhood, regardless of personal desires or circumstances, can be incredibly heavy.
* The impact of traditional beliefs and practices: The novel explores the harmful effects of practices like female genital mutilation and forced marriage, which are deeply ingrained in the culture but have devastating consequences for women.
* The search for identity and empowerment: Despite the challenges they face, the female characters in "Stillborn" seek to find their own identities and carve out a space for themselves in a world that often denies them autonomy.
The novel uses the character of Safiya, a woman who suffers a stillbirth and the subsequent societal stigma, to illustrate these struggles. Through her journey, Alkali explores the complex interplay of individual agency, cultural expectations, and the enduring consequences of societal injustices.
While the focus is on the challenges faced by women, "Stillborn" also touches upon other themes such as:
* The power of storytelling: Safiya's journey is narrated by a community storyteller, highlighting the importance of oral tradition and the role of storytelling in preserving history and culture.
* The impact of colonialism: The novel explores the lingering effects of colonial rule and the ways in which it has contributed to the marginalization of women in the region.
Ultimately, "Stillborn" is a powerful and moving portrayal of the realities of life for women in a patriarchal society. It is a story about resilience, strength, and the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity.