In what ways do women in this novel show influence? How do women assert themselves without challenging the traditional values of men?

In Igbo culture, women are the weaker sex, yet they possess the power to bear children. Notice I said power instead of ability. The Igbo see birth as a great force in their universe. Men knew this power was woman's only so, in that way, they had a slight impact on men. I think as colonialism came, women took on greater roles out of economic necessity.