ON THE PORTRAYAL OF FEMALE CEO IN IGBO LITERATURE

Abstract

This paper explores the representation of women in business within contemporary Igbo language literature, under the title “A Study of Women in Business as Portrayed in Contemporary Igbo Literature.” By analyzing selected texts written in the Igbo language, this study examines how female entrepreneurial characters are constructed, the social and cultural expectations that frame their  experiences, their inspirations and the literary strategies used to portray their economic prowess. Drawing from feminist literary criticism and postcolonial theory, the paper situates its analysis within a broader understanding of gender roles in traditional and modern Igbo society. Through a thematic and textual approach, it explores recurring motifs such as industriousness, resilience, resistance to patriarchal structures, and communal economic participation. The research finds that while many texts still portray women entrepreneurs within the boundaries of traditional domesticity and motherhood, there is a significant and growing trend of authors of literary Igbo works who position women as central economic agents. These women are often portrayed as assertive, skilled, and adaptable, challenging gender norms and contributing meaningfully to household and community economies. The paper, therefore, argues for greater attention to these depictions, noting that literature not only reflects but can also shape evolving societal values about gender and enterprise. It recommends that Igbo literary criticism take seriously the intersection of language, gender, and economic empowerment in its engagement with indigenous texts.