“…a better world is possible” : Book Review

Book Title: Amina.

Is it a parable or an allegory? Both and above all an amazing story about the transformation of a woman, Amina, located in an unknown world to many readers, Northern Nigeria. A world governed by Islamic religion and rules. Some critics compare Amina to Queen Amina of Zazzau, the 16th century heroic Queen of Hausaland, who conquered so many armies until she found her death. Amina of Bakaro led her women followers of the Bakaro Women’s Association not into battle but into a peaceful protest march against terrible and suppressing laws against women.
Umar paints a picture of life for women under Islamic, man dominated rule, a life controlled by men’s will and whims, women are their possession, obedience and submission to a husband is the iron rule. Although this is not so only in Islamic societies, but religious dogmatism gives it a special quality of cruelty and ruthlessness.
“The thing is, if a woman loves a man, she will accept even his beatings. What a contradiction!” says Amina’s friend, Bilkisu.
Amina is a housewife, married to Alhaji Haruna, a Legislator of the State. Although educated to university level, where she read law, she is not interested in politics, has no contact with the women and their life in town. Her girlfriends she knows since her studies visit her regularly. Especially Fatima, a political activator, is the one relentlessly informing Amina about ongoing injustices against women. She provides Amina with basic literatures to inform herself, like Fanon and Rodney. Still, she is not interested, until she hears the story of a young girl whose bladder is damaged permanently after childbirth, because she was too young when giving birth, she is one example of what happens to many young girls. Amina takes her to her home and has her operated and healed. That is the turning point in her attitude towards women’s politics.
Umar shows the intermingling of political offices, personal interest, nepotism and greed with its far reaching consequences of making backwardness and poverty the status quo for the population. It goes into all realms, including business of course and the legislation. Amina in her position as the wife of a rich Alhaji is approached by many with shady offers to “make money and enjoy her privileges” as the smuggler Kulu persistently wants to convince Amina and turn her around to be her accomplice in her dealings.
Umar speaks a powerful language, reading this seminal book touches one’s core. We are thoroughly introduced into Nigerian society’s ways and customs. Student life, unbreakable friendship, steadfastness, married life in polygamic families, struggle of poor citizens. Amina’s road is long and thorny, we follow her and her friends through planning and implementing not only the Women’s Association of Bakaro, but the Bakaro Women’s Co-operative Movement, where cooperative farming is practiced. Amina develops into a woman of her own mind, standing up against injustices, opposing her husband’s views and life, doing what she terms right for women’s advancement. “There comes a moment in someone’s life when they’ve only two options: live or die; submit or fight. We’ve reached that moment…”
The way is one of suffering, trying, fighting, tears, pain, all, but Amina stands upright, alone or flanked by her wonderful women friends. Unblinking she remains, when facing powerful magnates and public personalities. The novel has been translated into fourty-four languages and should be widely spread and available in Nigeria! It is a must read for everyone interested in different cultures and world problems.