Infertility and the Female Experience in Osita Ezenwanebe’s Egg Without Yolk

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between fecundity, motherhood, and the status of women in Nigeria. Infertility remains a deeply disturbing experience that affects many couples around the globe, often carrying profound emotional, social, and cultural implications. While biological, medical, and psychological factors contribute to infertility, cultural beliefs and societal expectations exacerbate the emotional burden, mostly for women. In many African societies, a woman's status is closely tied to her ability to bear children, especially male offspring, reinforcing gendered stereotypes and expectations. Infertile women frequently experience stigma, discrimination, and exclusion, as they are often perceived as being incapable of fulfilling their primary social roles. Using Osita Ezenwanebe’s Egg Without Yolk , this study explores the plight of the female protagonist grappling with infertility, and the social pressures that dictate her identity and self-worth. Additionally, this study considers how drama serves as a powerful channel for challenging these entrenched cultural misconceptions and advocating for a more empathetic approach to infertility. By interrogating the social constructs surrounding fertility, this study highlights the need for greater awareness, education, and policy interventions that foster a more supportive environment for women experiencing infertility.