Echoes of Oppression: Exploring Gender-based violence in Select Ho Folktales

Gender-based violence (GBV) constitutes a widespread global concern that is fundamentally rooted in disparities of power, deeply embedded cultural paradigms, and systemic inequalities that exist between genders. This form of violence predominantly impacts women and girls, manifesting in a multitude of expressions, which encompass physical, sexual, psychological, and economic forms of abuse. Elements such as patriarchal institutions, conventional gender roles, and societal expectations play a significant role in perpetuating environments conducive to the proliferation of such violence. Likewise, within the Ho tribal community, traditional gender roles, which generally restrict Ho women to domestic duties and determine their worth in relation to men, further entrench disparities and dependency. Societal norms reinforce these roles, frequently stigmatizing Ho women who dare to challenge established conventions or assert their independence, thereby constraining their autonomy. These social and cultural factors collectively engender contexts where gender-based violence is not only normalized but also perpetuated, as victims encounter significant obstacles in reporting abuse and obtaining assistance. The research paper endeavours to elucidate the aforementioned dynamics present in Ho tribal folktales through feminist perspectives, illustrating how these narratives depict gender-based violence and illuminating the challenges confronted by Ho women within their cultural milieu. These stories not only mirror the cultural foundations that sustain such violence but also implicitly advocate for the necessity to contest these norms and enhance protections for women, thereby signalling a clarion call for heightened awareness, equity, and social transformation.

Keywords: Ho Tribe, Feminism, Folktales, Violence.