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establish how these women were displaced from their homelands 
and the impact of migration with its attendant racism, identity 
crises, and discrimination on these women. The study revealed 
that migrant African women leave in droves owing to societal 
stereotypes, patriarchal structures, poverty, and unemployment in 
search of independence and financial freedom in foreign lands. 
Intending migrants can benefit from this as it equips them with 
knowledge of what holds for them in their intended host countries.

Keywords: Displacement, survival, migrant, women, 
stereotypes.

Introduction
	 Migration literature often explores the struggles faced by 
individuals forced to leave their countries of origin due to poverty, 
unemployment, and limitations among other political, economic, 
or social factors. Displacement and quest for survival are central to 
this issue of migration, which often involves the emotional, 
cultural, and practical struggles migrants face in adapting to new 
environments. This study examines the displacement, dislocation, 
and survival struggles of migrant African women in the world of 
Bulawayo's We Need New Names and Aworanti-Ekugo's Lagos to 
London.

 In We Need New Names, the heroine, Darling, experiences 
physical and emotional displacement as she leaves Zimbabwe due 
to hunger, poverty, political instability, and economic collapse. 
Her migration to the United States exposes her to cultural 
alienation, discrimination, and the trauma of being uprooted, as 
she struggles to belong to a society that does not fully accept her. 
Similarly, in Lagos to London, Remi's migration from Nigeria to 
London was triggered by her desire for better opportunities, 
coupled with issues of patriarchy, societal stereotypes, leadership 
failures, and other socio-political conditions in the African 

Displacement and Quest for Survival in Migrant African 
Women in Bulawayo's We Need New Names and Aworanti-
Ekugo's Lagos to London

Ewuzie, Felix Ewuzie
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University,

Igbariam Campus.
Faculty of Arts,

Department of English
Email: olisaco4u@yahoo.com

Tel: +2348038173828
&

Prof. Chukwueloka, Christian C.
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University,

Igbariam Campus.
Faculty of Arts,

Department of English
Email: chukchch@yahoo.com

Tel: +2348035485725

Abstract
This study examined the displacement and survival instinct in 
migrant African women in Bulawayo's We Need New Names and 
Aworanti-Ekugo's Lagos to London. It explored the displacement 
push and pull factors that propel African women into forced 
migration to Europe and other continents as well as the survival 
quests of these women that propel the navigation of their ways in 
their host countries. The paper employed a qualitative research 
approach, involving close reading and analysis of the two novels 
to probe stereotypes, patriarchal structure,  poverty, 
unemployment, and leadership failures in African society which 
make these African women leave the shores of Africa for greener 
pastures in foreign lands. The postcolonial feminism theoretical 
framework was employed in interrogating the selected novels to 

COOU JOFOCUS: COOU Journal of Folklore and Cultural Studies, Vol. 5, No. 1, 2025
Ewuzie, Felix Ewuzie & Prof. Chukwueloka, Christian C.- Displacement 
and Quest for Survival in Migrant African Women in Bulawayo’s  We Need 
New Names and Aworanti-Ekugo’s Lagos to London

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mailto:olisaco4u@yahoo.com
mailto:chukchch@yahoo.com


for self-identity and better life.

Conceptual Framework
Displacement
	 In migration literature, displacement refers to the forced or 
compelled departure from one's homeland due to various factors 
such as conflict, economic hardship, political instability, 
environmental disasters, or social unrest. It encompasses both the 
physical and emotional aspects of migration, particularly the 
sense of losing one's place of origin and the challenges of adapting 
to a new environment. Displacement is often explored in terms of 
its psychological and cultural impacts on the migrants, focusing 
on feelings of alienation, loss, and identity crisis as individuals 
encounter unfamiliar cultures and landscapes. It also highlights 
the trauma of leaving behind home, family, and community, and 
the ongoing struggle to forge a sense of belonging in a foreign 
land.

	 In many migration narratives, displaced characters 
grapple with the tension between their past (countries of origin) 
and present (host countries), often reflecting on issues such as 
nostalgia, cultural differences, racism, and the challenges of 
assimilation or integration. In this way, displacement serves as a 
metaphor for the broader human experience of loss, transition, 
and the perpetual search for a place to belong and survive.

Quest for Survival
	 In migration literature, the quest for survival refers to the 
journey and efforts of migrants as they face the physical, 
emotional, and social challenges of life in the host nations. This 
journey involves going through the hardships of migration, 
whether voluntary or forced, while striving to improve their 
circumstances, meet basic needs, and preserve their dignity, 
identity, and sense of self amidst adversity.

society. Her experiences underscore how displacement is shaped 
by internal and external pressures, pushing her to migrate in search 
of new possibilities in her quest for self-identity in the face of 
adversity in the host nation.

The two main female characters in both novels face the 
challenges of finding a sense of nostalgia and that of recognition 
in their host countries. While Darling yearns for her home in 
Zimbabwe, she must also find a way of circumventing the racial 
and cultural differences in the U.S. Similarly, Remi endures the 
emotional weight of homesickness and racial discrimination in 
London while struggling to achieve self-actualisation. Their 
experiences underscore the deep psychological struggles of 
displacement, which involve not just physical relocation but also 
the complex negotiation for identity, acceptance, and belonging 
in their new worlds.

In both novels, the survival instinct involves managing the 
complexities of life in foreign lands, where migrant African 
women must overcome physical and emotional challenges. 
Darling's survival instinct involves adapting to the American 
society while maintaining her cultural identity and resisting the 
erasure of her roots. Likewise, Remi faces practical struggles 
such as securing employment, managing legal status, and fitting 
into a new society that marginalizes her as an African woman. 
Both women were determined to succeed and they find strength 
and solidarity in their communities, as their relationships with 
fellow migrants provide a sense of belonging amidst their 
struggles.

	Ultimately, these novels explore how migrant African 
women's survival is shaped by their resilience, identity 
negotiation and the challenges they face in the diaspora. The 
stories of Darling and Remi offer a nuanced portrayal of the 
intersection of migration, gender and identity, highlighting the 
complex emotional and social battles women face in their quest 

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Ewuzie, Felix Ewuzie & Prof. Chukwueloka, Christian C.- Displacement 
and Quest for Survival in Migrant African Women in Bulawayo’s  We Need 
New Names and Aworanti-Ekugo’s Lagos to London

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are compelled to leave their home countries due to war or 
persecution. Migrants can be voluntary, forced, seasonal, or 
labour migrants, and their experiences vary, with many facing 
challenges such as adapting to new environments, facing legal 
obstacles, dealing with discrimination, or coping with economic 
instability.

	 The Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary (7th edition) 
defines migration as "the movement of large numbers of people, 
birds, or animals from one place to another." The Cambridge 
Dictionary provides a more focused definition, stating that 
migration is "the process of a person or people traveling to a new 
place or country, usually to find work and live there temporarily or 
permanently.”

Further, migrant African women are African women who leave 
their home countries in search of better opportunities, safety, or a 
new life, either within Africa or outside it. Their migration is often 
shaped by factors such as patriarchal stereotypes, economic 
hardship, political instability, armed conflict, environmental 
changes, and social inequalities. These women face unique 
challenges due to the intersection of their gender, migration status, 
and socio-political context.

	 Many migrant African women take on low-wage, 
informal, or exploitative jobs, particularly in domestic work or 
factories. This economic vulnerability exposes them to 
exploitation, including poor working conditions, low pay, and 
lack of legal protection. They are also at risk of sexual and 
physical abuses during migration and in their host countries. 
Migrants in precarious situations, particularly those without legal 
status or work permits, often experience social exclusion, and 
limited access to healthcare, education, and legal rights, which 
heighten their vulnerability.

	Migrants face more than just survival problems; they must 
confront the challenges of cultural adaptation also. This includes 
adjusting to the social, political, and economic systems of their 
new country, overcoming language barriers, adapting to cultural 
norms, and confronting prejudices or discriminations. The 
emotional and psychological impact of migration is a key part of 
the experience, often involving homesickness, alienation, and a 
loss of identity. Dealing with trauma, either from the migration 
process or the circumstances that led to it, is also a vital aspect of 
emotional survival.

	A key component of the quest for survival is the migrant's 
struggle to preserve or reconstruct their identity in the new 
environment. This process involves negotiating between two 
identities: one rooted in their homeland and the other shaped by 
the culture and expectations of the host country. The quest often 
revolves around finding a sense of belonging and reconciling 
these conflicting aspects of self.

	Ultimately, the quest for survival in migration literature 
highlights resilience. Migrants frequently endure numerous 
challenges, driven by the hope for a better life, safety, or future 
opportunities. This resilience and survival instinct are major 
concerns in the migration novels explored in this paper: 
Bulawayo's We Need New Names and Aworanti-Ekugo's Lagos to 
London.

Migrant African Women
	 A migrant is an individual who moves from one place to 
another, often across borders, either temporarily or permanently, 
in search of better living conditions, employment opportunities, 
safety, or to escape hardship. Migration can occur either within a 
country or between countries, driven by reasons such as seeking 
better job prospects, fleeing political instability or conflict, 
reuniting with family members, or escaping environmental 
disasters. Some migrants, such as refugees and asylum seekers, 

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Ewuzie, Felix Ewuzie & Prof. Chukwueloka, Christian C.- Displacement 
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New Names and Aworanti-Ekugo’s Lagos to London

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Discourses (1984), Bulbeck Chilla's Reorienting Western 
Feminism: Women's Diversity in a Postcolonial World (1997), 
Chris Weedon's Key Issues in Postcolonial Feminism: A Western
P e r s p e c t i v e  ( 2 0 0 2 ) ,  a n d  B e l l e a u  M a r i e - C l a i r e ' s 
“L'intersectionnalité”: Feminisms in a Divided World (2007). 
Other prominent Postcolonial feminists include Gayatri Spivak, 
Yvonne Vera, and Radhika Mohanram.

	 As a subset of feminism, Postcolonial Feminism arose as a 
response to the exclusionary tendencies of Western feminism. It 
advocates for the visibility of women in developing countries and 
asserts that their stories, often distinct from those of Western 
women, deserve to be heard. The theory rejects the notion of a 
universal female experience, instead calling for gender activists 
from diverse cultures and regions to pursue gender equality on 
their own terms. As Bulbeck (1997) suggests, the West must 
"learn about the other woman," not as a stereotype shaped by 
popular media, but as a real, complex individual. Postcolonial 
Feminism seeks to expand the feminist discourse to be more 
inclusive, acknowledging the voices of those who have 
historically been marginalized (Fisher, 2013).

	 Postcolonial Feminism also emphasizes the roles of race, 
class, gender, culture, sexual preference, and colonial oppression 
in the subjugation of women in formerly colonized nations. In the 
narratives analysed in this study, the protagonists are women from 
the African continent, and their experiences are central to the plot. 
These stories are a form of the African version of global women's 
experience with the forces of "Othering" and oppression. The 
theory asserts that there is no single, homogenous female 
experience; instead, all experiences, especially those that differ 
from mainstream narratives, are valid and worth telling. 
Ultimately, Postcolonial Feminism redefines the feminist 
movement from a narrow, Western-focused struggle to a broader, 
more inclusive one that embraces differences and individuality. 
Chimamanda Adichie collaborated with this view in her article, 

	 Cultural dislocation is another significant challenge as 
migrant African women who battle language barriers, unfamiliar 
social norms, and the pressure to integrate into a new society. 
These challenges can lead to feelings of alienation and confusion 
about their identity. Additionally, racial and gender discrimination 
in host countries can limit their opportunities for independence 
and financial stability, further complicating their survival.

	 Migration also imposes an emotional toll, with issues such 
as homesickness, separation from family, and trauma from fleeing 
violence, stereotypes or conflict affecting their mental wellbeing. 
Despite these difficulties, migrant African women demonstrate 
remarkable resilience, often forming support networks with 
fellow migrants and learning to confront the complexities of their 
new environments.

	 In migration literature, migrant African women are 
frequently depicted as both victims of their circumstances and 
resilient agents of change. Works such as We Need New Names by 
NoViolet Bulawayo and Lagos to London by Lola Aworanti-
Ekugo selected for this study, explore the displacement, quest for 
survival and pursuit of a better life for these African women, 
highlighting themes of identity, belonging, and the emotional 
impact of migration. These narratives shed light on the struggles 
and triumphs of this marginalized group, emphasizing their 
strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

Post-Colonial Feminism: A Theoretical Clarification
	 Postcolonial Feminism can be understood as an 
exploration of the enduring impacts of colonialism and neo-
colonialism, particularly in relation to women. It examines how 
these historical forces continue to affect women, with a particular 
focus on the intersection of race and gender. Key works in 
Postcolonial Feminist theory include Cherrie Moraga's Refugees 
of World on Fire (1983), Chandra Mohanty's Under Western Eyes: 
F e m i n i s t  S c h o l a r s h i p  a n d  C o l o n i a l

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Ewuzie, Felix Ewuzie & Prof. Chukwueloka, Christian C.- Displacement 
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fulfill its responsibilities has led to many young people becoming 
idle at home, with some giving to crimes. It is also important to 
note that the two authors selected for this study emphasize strike 
actions as one of the key factors driving the mass migration of 
young people from Africa. In her novel, Aworanti-Ekugo pointed 
out that the prolonged strikes by the academic staff union caused 
Nnamdi and other youths significant stress, leading them to lose 
hope in achieving a better future in Nigeria. She observed that 
'Nnamdi often spent time at a nearby cyber café, where, through 
Yahoo News, he kept up with news about the United States and the 
United Kingdom, constantly searching for information on how he 
could relocate there. He needed a way out” (117).

The author's assertion that the young undergraduate, 
Emeka, needed an escape, underscores the reality that many 
young Africans are caught in a cycle of hopelessness and poverty, 
largely driven by poor governance across the continent. This 
pervasive sense of despair is pushing many young people to take 
control of their own future by migrating out of Africa. Both Remi 
and Nnamdi in Lagos to London symbolise the countless young 
Africans who, knowing their future is uncertain due to corruption, 
mismanagement, and a lack of strategic planning, choose to leave 
in search of a better life. The prolonged strikes and the absence of 
scholarships for students were pointed out as contributing factors 
to the issue of migration. The government's lack of vision only 
intensifies the hopelessness and fuels the desire to leave among 
young people. Nnamdi expressed this sentiment when he confided 
in his friend Emeka, seeking to borrow money from him for his 
escape, “… my life has been a disappointment, can't you see it? 
Staying back in this country won't help me.” (39).

On the other hand, Aworanti-Ekugo crafted Remi as a 
character with a strong survival instinct that enabled her to 
successfully deal with the numerous challenges she faced in her 
migratory experience in London. This survival quest allowed 
Remi to rise above the displacement factors in her home country 

We Should All Be Feminists when she wrote, “Gender matters 
everywhere in the world. And I would like today to ask that we 
should begin to dream about and plan for a different world. A fairer 
world. A world of happier men and happier women who are truer 
to themselves” (23).

Displacement and Quest for Survival in Migrant African 
Women in Bulawayo's We Need New Names and Aworanti-
Ekugo's Lagos to London
	 Aworanti-Ekugo,in Lagos to London, examined the 
factors inducing displacement and migration, exploring the 
reasons why many Africans, men and women, seek better 
opportunities in Europe and other continents. She highlighted how 
inadequate funding in Nigeria's education system has severely 
impacted the quality of education, leading many young people to 
lose hope in achieving their dreams of quality education and 
employment. According to her, this lack of educational 
opportunities is a fundamental cause of displacement and 
migration for many young Nigerians. In the novel, the author not 
only delves into the exilic experiences of migrants but also 
investigates the underlying issues that serve as push factors, 
driving these young individuals toward forced migration.
According to her:

	      The ASUU strikes were fast becoming every student's 
nightmare as they seemed to be spending more time at 
home than at university. It was a complicated 
situation: lecturers were unhappy about their wages 
and condition of service, and there were allegations of 
outstanding earned academic allowances… This 
meant that the students could be home for anything 
from weeks to months doing nothing (14).

Aworanti-Ekugo used her writing to highlight the 
government's misplaced priorities, particularly, its neglect of 
critical issues such as education and infrastructural development. 
Through this, she demonstrated how the government's failure to 

COOU JOFOCUS: COOU Journal of Folklore and Cultural Studies, Vol. 5, No. 1, 2025
Ewuzie, Felix Ewuzie & Prof. Chukwueloka, Christian C.- Displacement 
and Quest for Survival in Migrant African Women in Bulawayo’s  We Need 
New Names and Aworanti-Ekugo’s Lagos to London

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forging any available alliances in your field and interests will be 
important” (234).

Through this, the author not only underscores how female 
African migrants can overcome challenges in their host countries 
but also illustrates how any migrant, regardless of gender or 
nationality, can succeed in his journey. Through Remi's advice, the 
author conveys that migrants can alleviate the burden of their 
experiences by making the most of their time and opportunities.

As she advised, “Make the most of your time in the UK. 
Take advantage of opportunities when they come. Visit places. 
Make friends. At the end of the day, life is all about experiences” 
(234).

	In essence, the steps highlighted by the author as key to a 
successful migration journey were the qualities that drove Remi's 
survival quest. The character's resilience and resourcefulness 
made it nearly impossible for her to break under any 
circumstances as a female African migrant. Additionally, the 
author emphasizes how migrants, particularly women, can solve 
the problem of identity crises and the complexities of double 
consciousness while pursuing a better life, Remi further advised 
her book launch audience:

			… always remember where you are from and stay 
true to your roots and values. This is important because, in an 
environment where the culture and values are different when 
things get tough, this will be critical to your success and 
survival (234).

Aworanti-Ekugo also emphasized that migration to Europe 
and other continents does notguarantee success or prosperity. As 
she puts it, “Life abroad isn't meant for anyone. Don't be a pauper 
in another man's land when you can be a king in your own” (235). 
This statement implies that the same displacement issues and 
challenges that push migrants to leave their countries of origin can 
also be found in the host nations. Therefore, migrants should 

and helped her overcome the mixed reception, hybridity, 
discrimination, and culture shock she encountered in her host 
country.

Remi's success as a migrant was as a result of her resilience 
and determination. She abandoned the course chosen for her by 
her parents and switched to English and Comparative Literature to 
find fulfillment and give expression to her talent for writing and 
passion for blogging. She went on to publish her first novel, 
detailing her experiences as a migrant. She also embarked on 
publicity tours across the UK, engaging with her fans and online 
followers who admired her work. 

	The author portrayed Remi as a highly successful and 
accomplished woman, a role model for women striving to 
challenge stereotypes and break through patriarchal structures in 
African society. Through Remi, Aworanti-Ekugo demonstrated 
that African women can attain independence, financial freedom, 
and live life on their own terms.

When asked during an interview at her book launch in 
t h e  U K  a b o u t  t h e  k e y  t o  h e r  s u c c e s s ,
Remi reflected: “Focus, dedication, and hard work 
pays…you need to be very clear on your goals from the 
start, then work tirelessly towards protecting that goal 
and accomplishing it. Arriving in the UK is just the start 
of the journey ...” (233).

In the statement above, Remi emphasized the importance 
of overcoming societal stereotypes and achieving both 
independence and financial goals for migrant women. From the 
very beginning, Remi was determined to succeed. Her resilience, 
discipline, and decisiveness helped her endure and steered 
through some of the most frustrating and dehumanizing 
experiences. She remarked, “It can be difficult being far away 
from home and integrating into a new culture. Networking is key; 

COOU JOFOCUS: COOU Journal of Folklore and Cultural Studies, Vol. 5, No. 1, 2025
Ewuzie, Felix Ewuzie & Prof. Chukwueloka, Christian C.- Displacement 
and Quest for Survival in Migrant African Women in Bulawayo’s  We Need 
New Names and Aworanti-Ekugo’s Lagos to London

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like Haiti, like Sri Lanka, and not even this one we live in – 
(Zimbabwe) who wants to be a terrible place of hunger and things 
falling apart?” (49). The countries she mentions share common 
struggles: hunger, poverty, unemployment, and the neglect of 
women and children - issues that are prevalent across many 
African countries and act as push factors for migration. By calling 
these countries “rags of countries,” Darling underscores the 
severity of underdevelopment, poverty, and suffering, 
particularly, in Africa.

	 These countries represent many African nations where 
the basic needs and welfare of citizens remain unmet. As a result, 
migration becomes the hopeful escape for those seeking better 
opportunities. Darling's reflections further emphasize that people, 
driven by aspirations and dreams, migrate because their political 
leaders are exacerbating their difficulties.

Darling also expresses her hope for a better life in the United 
States, stating, “If I'm lucky, like today, I get to be the USA is the 
big baboom of the world? I feel like it's my country now because 
my aunt Fostalina lives there in Destroyedmichygen. Once her 
things are in order she'll come and get me and I will go and live 
there also” (49).

Darling's friend, Stina, traced the root cause of displacement 
in her country to the greed and poor leadership of those in power. 
She pointed out that some African presidents, driven by greed, 
refuse to relinquish power even when they are old and inactive. 
These power-hungry leaders continue to vie for political positions 
well into old age. As she remarked, “...you have to be an old, old 
man to become president” (60). She further added, “I saw a picture 
of the president in a magazine. He was also with the president of 
Zambia and Malawi and South Africa and other presidents. They 
were all old; you have to be like a grandfather first” (61).

carefully consider the risks and difficulties associated with 
migration before making such a life-changing decision.

In this light, Aworanti-Ekugo used Lagos to London to 
explore the migratory experiences of African women and their 
struggles to overcome stereotypes and patriarchal power 
structures. She used the work to show that women should not die 
in silence but consider all the options available to them for self-
identity and independence. Through her central character, Remi, 
she challenges African women to rise above societal limitations 
and create their paths to success.

Similarly, the displacement factors that drive migrants away 
from their home countries inLagos to London also resonate in 
Bulawayo's We Need New Names. Structured as a personal 
experience, We Need New Names follows the story of Darling, a 
young girl who grows up in a shantytown in Zimbabwe before 
migrating to the United States. The ravaging hunger in Zimbabwe 
and the hopelessness that enveloped her country pushed Darling to 
seek escape from these dire circumstances. The narrative is 
divided into sections that capture her life in both Zimbabwe and 
America, providing a rich portrayal of African female migration. 
While Aworanti-Ekugo's novel focuses on the migratory 
experiences of adults, Bulawayo's work delves into how poverty 
and economic collapse psychologically affect children, making 
them lose hope at a young age and dream of migrating.

In We Need New Names, Bulawayo uses Darling's first-
person perspective to convey the migration experience through 
personal involvement. This technique allows her to capture 
detailed nuances and reflect on what may mirror her own 
experiences, much like her fellow author's, Aworanti-Ekugo, who 
also experienced migration.

Darling highlights how hunger and poverty have made 
Zimbabwe seem uninhabitable. She reflects, “Nobody wants to be 
rags of countries like Congo, like Somalia, like Iraq, like Sudan, 

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Ewuzie, Felix Ewuzie & Prof. Chukwueloka, Christian C.- Displacement 
and Quest for Survival in Migrant African Women in Bulawayo’s  We Need 
New Names and Aworanti-Ekugo’s Lagos to London

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explained, “You all don't get it, do you? Is this what I went to 
university for? Is this what we got independence for? Does it make 
sense that we are living like this? Tell me! ... All I know is that I'm 
certainly not clamoring to go across the borders to live where I'm 
called a kwerekwere” (92).

This statement highlights the discrimination faced by 
Zimbabweans and, by extension,African migrants in South Africa 
and other countries. The term “kwerekwere” is a derogatory label 
used to refer to foreigners, often blamed for social issues like 
crime and disease, reinforcing harmful stereotypes. This form of 
racial discrimination frequently leads to xenophobic attacks.

The author used Darling's father's experience to capture the 
discrimination, racism, and	dehumanization migrants endure in 
their pursuit of better opportunities abroad.

	 Ironically, despite witnessing her father's painful return, 
Darling still dreams of migrating. Bulawayo uses this narrative to 
show that the inherent displacement factors in African countries, 
along with the associated risks and challenges, are often more 
devastating than the struggles migrants face in host nations. The 
implication is clear: unless African governments address the root 
causes of migration, the negative impacts of migration on 
countries of origin will continue to worsen, with migration rates 
rising further.

     Bulawayo buttressed this when she wrote: 
Look at them leaving in droves, the children of the land, 
just look at them leaving in droves. Those with nothing 
are crossing borders. Those with strength are crossing 
borders. Those with ambitions are crossing borders… 
Those in pain are crossing borders. Moving, running, 
emigrating, going, deserting, walking, quitting, flying, 
fleeing – to all over, to countries near and far, … They are 
leaving in droves (145).

Bulawayo used this to illustrate how the recycling of elderly 
leaders in positions of power contributes to the stagnation of 
various African countries, prompting citizens to migrate in search 
of better opportunities abroad. The author crafted a scene in which 
Darling and her friends, while giving Chipo first aid and 
mimicking what they had seen doctors do on TV, discussed how 
their country was far from having standard hospitals and qualified 
doctors, as long as old men continued to lead. Sbho commented, “I 
saw it on TV in Harare when I visited Sekuru Godi. ER is what 
they do in a hospital in America. In order to do this right, we need 
new names” (82).

The author derived the title of the novel from this statement, 
using it to highlight how poor infrastructure, poverty, 
unemployment, and systemic failures in Zimbabwe lead to a loss 
of hope, pushing people to migrate. She pointed out that her father 
had migrated from Zimbabwe to South Africa when migration 
became widespread, even against his wife's wishes. As she noted, 

“Mother had not wanted Father to leave 
for South Africa to begin with, but it was 
at that time when everybody was going to 
South Africa and other countries, some 
near, some far, some very, very far. They 
were leaving, just leaving in droves, and 
father wanted to leave with everybody 
and he was going to leave and nothing 
would stop him” (91).

Though Darling's mother did not want her husband to travel 
abroad, he insisted that migration seemed the best option due to 
the overwhelming challenges they faced in Zimbabwe. By 
justifying migration through Darling's father's relocation, the 
author critiques the government for failing to meet expectations 
and underscores the displacement issues that make life 
uncomfortable for those in the country. Justifying his decision to 
migrate to South Africa for better opportunities, Darling's father 

COOU JOFOCUS: COOU Journal of Folklore and Cultural Studies, Vol. 5, No. 1, 2025
Ewuzie, Felix Ewuzie & Prof. Chukwueloka, Christian C.- Displacement 
and Quest for Survival in Migrant African Women in Bulawayo’s  We Need 
New Names and Aworanti-Ekugo’s Lagos to London

109 110



could not go to hospitals. We swallowed every pain like a bitter 
pill, drank every fear like a love portion, and we worked and 
worked (244).

The migrant African women endure all of these to avoid 
returning home, where they would face greater challenges - 
unemployment, patriarchy, and the limiting stereotypes that 
confine them to domestic roles as mothers or wives. Additionally, 
these migrants traveled, intending to become saviours for their 
impoverished families, and sending money home to support their 
well-being. As Darling noted, "Every two weeks we got our 
paychecks and sent monies back home by Western Union and 
Money Gram. We bought food and clothes for the families left 
behind, we paid school fees for the little ones" (244).

Bulawayo further observed that it was primarily the youth 
who migrated in larger numbers. This observation aligns with 
United Nations reports, which stated that young people were more 
likely to migrate from Africa to Europe and Asia in search of better 
opportunities. According to	Bulawayo, “It was mostly the youth 
who came, leaving behind old people and children. They came in 
droves, abandoning the tatters that were our country. We did not 
think about mending the tatters, all we thought was: leave, 
abandon, flee, run-anything, escape (245).

This highlights how African governments have failed their 
young populations by not fostering an environment conducive to 
job creation. As a result, these young people are forced to migrate 
to other continents for survival, rather than facing starvation at 
home. The author also pointed out that, due to their migrant status, 
most of these individuals rarely return to their countries of origin. 
Darling highlighted this when she said that, “We did not go back 
home to visit because we did not have the papers for our return, 
and so we just stayed, knowing that if we went we would not be 
able to reenter America. We stayed, like prisoners, only we chose 
to be prisoners and we loved our prison; it was not a bad prison” 

Through this, the author illustrated the chaotic 
circumstances, hopelessness, unemployment, and poverty 
brought about by leadership failures in Africa, which drive people 
to cross borders in search of better opportunities. She pointed out 
the negative impact of brain drain on the country of origin, noting, 
"Those with strength are crossing borders. Those with ambitions 
are crossing borders.”

Furthermore, Bulawayo examined the jobs these migrants 
take up abroad to survive. Often, African migrants end up doing 
menial jobs, reflecting their struggle for survival and migration 
status. Many are unable to access quality, high-paying jobs due to 
factors such as racism and the limitations of the education they 
received in their home countries.

Darling, narrating this experience, said:
And the jobs we worked, Jesus – Jesus - Jesus, the   
jobs we worked. Low-paying jobs, backbreaking 
jobs. Jobs that gnawed at the bones of our dignity… 
we cleaned toilets. We picked tobacco and fruit under 
the boiling sun until we hung our tongues and panted 
like lost hounds (244).

Migrant African women take on these jobs to survive. 
Despite the tough nature of the work, these women, fully aware of 
how stereotypes and patriarchal structures have relegated them to 
second-class citizens in Africa, endure the hardships and 
challenges of working abroad. By illustrating how these women 
accept these jobs despite the uncomfortable working conditions, 
the author emphasizes the harshness of the displacement factors 
that push the migrants to take such risks. Darling observed that 
they worked with dangerous machines, "holding their breath like 
crocodiles underwater, their minds on the money and never on 
their lives." This highlights the determination and resilient spirit 
of African migrant women. She further added: We cut ourselves 
working on meat; we got skin diseases. We inhaled bad smells 
until our lungs thundered… we got sick but did not go to hospitals, 

COOU JOFOCUS: COOU Journal of Folklore and Cultural Studies, Vol. 5, No. 1, 2025
Ewuzie, Felix Ewuzie & Prof. Chukwueloka, Christian C.- Displacement 
and Quest for Survival in Migrant African Women in Bulawayo’s  We Need 
New Names and Aworanti-Ekugo’s Lagos to London

111 112



Nwapa's  Efuru and Idu”  published in Knowledge Builders 
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Asika, Ikechukwu, Ifechelobi, Jane and Akabuike, Ifeoma. 
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(246-247).

Conclusion
	 Bulawayo and Aworanti-Ekugo used their works selected 
for this study to demonstrate that large-scale migration in Africa 
results from man-made push factors such as poor leadership, 
poverty, stereotypes, patriarchy, and unemployment. They 
highlighted how these factors disproportionately affect African 
women, who face multiple hardships in their host countries due to 
three key reasons: being women, being black, and being migrants. 
These female writers criticize governments for failing to fulfill 
their responsibility to ensure the welfare of their citizens. They 
also draw attention to the urgent need to address displacement 
issues, which in turn, will help tackle the challenges faced by 
African women.

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