Today is #InternationalDayOfTheGirlChild. In time past, as peculiar to the African tradition, the girl child was denied of quality education. She had to give in to early marriages and sabotage her future. She had no identity until she was married off.
However, overtime, the girl child is becoming a force to reckon with. She has become fully aware of her abilities, potentials and gifts which she can use her position to change the world. This goes without saying that there are still agelong diehard traditions in Africa that are still limiting her in pursuance of the global goals. These include:
Ghana, Benin and Togo
In certain parts of Ghana, Benin and Togo, the Trokosi tradition is still visible.Young girls from the age of 12 are dedicated to the shrines. They become the chief priest of the shrine’s property. Once dedicated, they carry the emblem of Trokosi. They are required to fulfil the sexual desires of the chief priest, cook and work on the farm. Once the gods reveal that a family has committed an offence. they are required to send a girl for pacifications. The Trokosi tradition holds that the chief priest continues the family’s atonement every generation. However, he can grant her freedom when he feels she is no longer useful.
Ethopia
Close to Amhara, a maid trade is carried out. The practice sees girls in large numbers leave the country in search for better standards of living. They are allowed to travel to oil-rich countries illegally to serve as domestic workers. While in service, she is obligated to send her parents money regularly. She is used to being raped because she has been ‘deflowered in a dignified fashion’.
Once a girl starts menstruating, she is married off quickly. It is ‘sinful’ for a girl to be unmarried having started seeing her menses. In this community, a girl of 14 years is overdue for marriage.
Kenya
In southeastern Kenya, a baby girl is betrothed to a boy. Her father officially chooses who should be her daughter’s suitor. After the groom is selected, the father of the new groom ties a daraaraa as a sign. Even if the girl’s parents die, the ‘soul tie’ can’t be broken. She must marry only the chosen one.
Nigeria
In the south-west, there is generally belief that partial or total cutting of the female genitalia will dissuade acts of promiscuity. Girls/women are still made to go through this pain to establish their femininity or risk being chastised. However, research has shown that the mutilation of the female genitalia affects sexual behaviours negatively.