Gender Representations in Selected Nso Folktales of the Northwest Region of Cameroon

This paper examines gender representations in selected Nso folktales from the Northwest region of Cameroon, exploring how these narratives reflect and shape societal norms, values, and cultural beliefs of the Nso people through gender roles. These folktales do not only play vital roles in the socialisation process and entertainment arena but equally serve as vehicles for moral education and cultural identity. From a collection of fifteen folktales from Nso in both indigenous and English languages, the paper is analysed from a feminist critical lens, revealing a dichotomy in the representation of gender thus reflecting traditional expectations of femininity and masculinity. The paper found out that despite the prevalent portrayal of women in subordinate positions, some of these folktales highlight female agency and intelligence demonstrating that, women can be resourceful and influential in the society thus challenging the notion of women as merely passive figures and stereotypes.