ABSTRACT:
Historically most African women have been working. There is, however, a tendency to consider such women as homebased or homefocus workers. The phenomenon of working many hours and miles outside the home and family authority which characterize contemporary mothers is considered a threat to motherhood and male-dominated family authority. This, however, does not seem to prevent more women joining the ranks of those combining full career and employment development with childbearing and household chores.This study is a preliminary attempt at exploring some of the dimensions of experiences of working mothers. The subjects were entirely volunteered. Their responses to the four principal areas of questioning indicate a perception about themselves, childbearing and womanhood functions, different from that predominantly held in society. This is especially relevant to areas of babycare, family size and planning, and apprehension on careers. There is determination to confront problems and offer an array of possible solutions tailored towards themselves, families, employers and policy makers.
Women s Studies International Forum 12/1987; 10(2-10):141-156. DOI:10.1016/0277-5395(87)90023-9