Seems about right....

So from the beginning of these two chapters, I am quite content in saying that what I pointed out for chapters 3 and 4 appears to indeed be a theme in the novel: the overcoming of the oppression of genders within the oppressed culture. The two scenes of the women at the outset of chapter 5, we see that some women are stepping up, and taking a stand. The first one in a more external way, as Mame Sofi is able to get the water from the water seller for free, by means that would normally be associated with a male dominant figure, in this setting. Next, we have the internal conflict of N'Deye Touti, who considers herself vastly superior (bit of a b*tch if you ask me, especially in regard to her relationship situation...) but she does appear to have superior cultural, worldly knowledge, all accompanied by her beauty (which can be considered very European). So here again, there is a certain emphasis on the diminishing barrier between the genders, which appears to be a preliminary step to accomplishing anything in regards to the colonization, which is also highlighted in the conflict that she faces, and portrays.
This theme continues, with the killing of the ram (pretty bad*ss...) which again displays a rising of a female character to the level of what would be considered male status. 
Finally, it seems that in the final moments of the chapter, the narrative again "zooms out", looking at the experiences of the community as a whole, essentially defining them as both manifestations and triggers of individual transformations discussed pages before.
Overall, this book is growing on me. There are some parts I still can not enjoy (the second part of chapter 5, I pretty much skipped) but as a whole, it is quite an interesting work.