The Construction of Literate Immigrant Women’s Agency in Postcolonial Francophone Fiction

This dissertation explores the intersection of Francophone African immigration, gender issues, and literacy through a multidisciplinary lens. It examines the historical and socio-political factors that have shaped migration patterns from Francophone Africa, considering the enduring impact of colonial legacies and post-colonial economic policies. The study highlights the gendered dimensions of migration, focusing on women’s agency, decision-making processes, and the unique challenges they face in navigating transnational spaces.

Through literary analysis, the dissertation investigates how migration experiences are represented in Francophone African literature. Fatou Diome’s Le Ventre de l’Atlantique provides a compelling portrayal of migration struggles, themes of identity, belonging, and cultural adaptation. The novel offers insights into the emotional and psychological toll of migration, showing the tensions between the homeland and the host country. Nathalie Etoke’s Un Amour sans papiers extends this discussion by exploring the representation of undocumented migration and its gendered dimensions, highlighting issues of identity, precarity, and resilience.

The study further examines gender and literacy in migration narratives, emphasizing the ways in which migrant women’s experiences are shaped by access to education and cultural expectations. Through an analysis of Calixthe Beyala’s L’homme qui m’offrait le ciel, the dissertation explores themes of love, power, and survival as they relate to migration and gender. Ken Bugul’s Mes hommes à moi provides a critical examination of female agency, desire, sexuality and the societal constraints faced by migrant women, challenging traditional narratives of victimhood and dependence.

This research contributes to an understanding of the socio-cultural realities faced by Francophone African migrants. It calls for more inclusive policies and research efforts that prioritize gender equaliity, education, and the well-being of migrant communities.