how are women portrayed in i will marry when i want?

The play has a rather mixed agenda on gender. Gĩcaamba pays lip service to the idea that gender equality must be an important component of their revolution and they must appreciate women's contributions. On the other hand, the play reinforces a traditional gender hierarchy. The female characters are mostly silent, and when they do talk, it is either about frivolous things or it reveals their ignorance about the importance of this fight. Gathoni, a character who might augur a new, modern and equal woman, is given short shrift. The family and the home, where men and women's roles are largely ossified, is the focus.