Abstract
The purpose of this study is to identify and examine the changing roles of Nigerian women concerning the family, educational attainment and society, as experienced and expressed by a sample of young 21-35 year old. Nine Nigerian women resident in Egypt were interviewed in depth using the ‘topical life history’ phenomenological method to reveal their attitudes and perceptions concerning the woman’s role in the family. Five of the participants were children caught in the Biafran war and their education was interrupted during the conflict. All struggled to gain education as girls and women growing up in families with sometimes limited resources. This study is based on the assumption that changes are taking place at all levels of Nigerian society. And that these changes are reflected in the way Nigerian women think and express views about themselves and their extended families. In lengthy, free form, nondirective interviews, the participants recounted their life histories from small children to the present day, and in this process commented and revealed their feelings about personal, family and social issues.