- A Brief Overview
The Girl Who Can is a widely read short story by African writer Ama Ata Aidoo. The story appears in story collection called "The Girl Who Can and Other Stories" (1997) that emphases female empowerment. Born in post-independent Ghana, Aidoo reflects her concerns about the limited education opportunities for women in Africa during her time. The story focuses on a female tripartite household. Through the narrator’s interactions with her mother and grandmother, Aidoo explores generational conflicts within the context of a male-dominated sports world.
Adjoa is a seven-year-old girl who lives in the village of Hasodzi in Africa. She is the narrator of the story. She shares her thoughts on the societal challenges faced by children, especially girls. The story revolves around the conflicts of opinions among three generations – Adjoa, her mother Maami, and her grandmother Nana. Adjoa's father is absent, and there's a suggestion that he may not be a good man or may have abandoned them.
Nana holds a firm belief that a woman's role is to be physically fit for childbirth, while Maami, often silent, struggles to confront her mother. Adjoa keeps her questions about society in her mind to avoid upsetting her grandmother and becoming a target for jokes. Nana criticizes Adjoa for her thin legs and disapproves of her attending school.
However, everything changes when Adjoa reveals her participation in a district race. Nana's attitude shifts dramatically as she actively supports Adjoa, washing and ironing her race uniform. During the race week, Nana even dresses up for the occasion. When Adjoa wins the trophy, Nana proudly shows it off to the neighborhood, shedding tears of joy. The story concludes with both Nana and Adjoa realizing that a woman's identity goes beyond being a mother and a wife; it can also include achievements, such as Adjoa's success as an athlete.
Through this story, Aidoo talks about the challenges faced by African women, especially girls, starting from the struggle for the right to be born as a girl child. She presents these challenges through the perspective of the young narrator. Adjoa questions the traditional roles imposed on women in her society but often hesitates to speak up due to the strict remarks and laughter from her grandmother, Nana.
The story also addresses gender stereotypes, with Adjoa defying traditional expectations by becoming an athlete. Her success challenges Nana's views on women's bodies, particularly her obsession with having "meaty" legs for childbearing. Adjoa's humor and curiosity reveal the absurdity of such notions, questioning the objectification of women.
Cultural and communal aspects play another significant role in the narrative, emphasizing the unity within African tribes and communities. The story is embedded in African culture, using African English and dialogic writing. Adjoa's sharing of her opinions with the community and the joyous moment of showing the trophy depicts the importance of communal togetherness.
Aidoo uses the character of Adjoa to convey the message that actions speak louder than words. Adjoa's success in the race, despite criticism about her thin legs, challenges stereotypes and brings about a change in Nana's perspective. The story suggests that education, especially for girls, is crucial for breaking free from traditional expectations and creating a better future.
Thus, the narrative of The Girl Who Can explores the themes of gender roles, freedom, the clash between tradition and modernity, and the dynamics of the community, highlighting Aidoo's commitment to advocating for women's rights in the evolving landscape of post-independent Ghana.
