It is estimated that close to 50% of the population of Africa is under the age of 15. It is a statistic that has held for decades. In Malawi, it is 46%, with half of those children being girls. But that is where the equality between boys and girls ends. For in this culture girls are property; their standing no more than the family livestock.
A daughter is seen as a possession of her father. In this poverty-stricken nation, when debts need to be paid (real or perceived), food, possessions or property need to be purchased, or the family needs money for a son’s education, the daughter becomes the payment.
An eleven-year old girl may be sold to a man three times her age. Cows and goats are kept because they can provide the family with nourishment but a daughter is seen as having little or no value other than her bride price. She is often told that she is going to work for another family as a maid, caretaker or cook. But it quickly becomes apparent to her that she is much more than that. She is a wife, no longer the possession of her father, but of her husband. She has no future, no hope, and no dignity.
The Malawian government does not approve of such practices. If they become aware of such a situation they will try to intervene. But a practice so deeply engrained in culture is hard to stop. Many of these fathers will tell you they love their daughters. It’s just the way it is.
Through the KuJAMbula studio, BroMan is reaching these girls. The studio is being used to write, record and produce stories for these girls that are played on local radio. Malawi is a culture that loves stories and radios are abundant. These age-appropriate stories are geared toward the girl child to let her know she is beautiful, valued and worthy. They provide hope and guidance to girls who are or may be faced with this horrible situation.
Won’t you help us continue the work at the KuJAMbula studio? Even a few dollars will help. Consider what you may give during the season of giving and hope.
ZeKomo Quambeli
Thank you very much in Chichewa
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