Women and the Niger Delta Crises: Ahmed Yerima's Social Vision in Little Drops

The crises facing the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria have been represented by Nigerian dramatist in various works. Educing from the focus of Ahmed Yerima in Little Drops, this paper conceptualises the tragedy faced mostly by women of the Niger Delta region due to objectification, gender socialization and societal inequality. The play reechoes the pains of neglect, underdevelopment and the painful results of agitation; highlighting also the pains of displacement, involuntary disappearance, family separation and disintegration, victimization, sexual slavery and rape. Based on a qualitative method of analysis, the work reveals the anguish, travails and trauma faced by women of the region. It emphasises the need for collaboration, understanding and support as a measure for peaceful resolution and promotion of human consciousness. It is the argument of this paper that all actors involved in the course of peace and conflict prevention and resolution adopt a gender perspective that include the special needs of women during repatriation and resettlement, rehabilitation, reintegration and post-conflict reconstruction because women suffer disproportionately during crises where existing inequalities are magnified, social networks broken down, making them more vulnerable to violence and exploitation.

Key Words: Crises, Drama, Nigeria, Niger Delta, Women