The world in its enitirety having witnessing the dreaded COVID outbreak is gradually heaving a sigh of relief from the pandemic.
The outbreak shut down virtually all sectors of life of which some are not based on their critical importance to the survival of humanity. These sectors include health, transport, agriculture and some cultural institutions like marriage.
Marriage got on the list as couples got married in the new normal style as witnessed in various countries of the world.
This piece as seen on @thegirdlengr's tweeter handle, an FGM advocacy organization, is centered on how a woman got married to her heartrob against all odds in Kenya.
Marriage is no doubt a must for matured men and women in various socities for the purpose of procreation and others. Although, some may choose not to get married, the practice as custom and tradition demand varies from culture to culture. While many societies have moved on with civilization, some cultures are still engaged in their primitive norms.
This is the case of Mary Nchagwa from Kenya whose assurance and consent of marriage by her parents depends solely on her ability to undergo the barbaric and horrifying female genital mutilation (FGM).
The heroic and brave step worthy of emulation was her ability to break free from being held hostage by her parents.
Knowing the consequence of her actions, she chose to liberate herself from the harrowing experience of FGM by defying her parents who mandated her to get cut before her dowry is accepted.
Either proactively or by accident, she got the protection of the Police having knowing that her parents planned to disrupt her marriage ceremony.
Although her parents described her marriage as "dirty", Mary's act of bravery is a pointer to the fact that she is a smart woman who thought outside the box and prefers to protect her dignity and honour over her parents' crooked blessings for marriage.
This is a wake up call to the women folks and the society at large in Kenya to put an end to FGM. Young girls must be continually and adequately sensitized to resist FGM as there's no iota of truth in reasons tendered for its practise, precisely a proactive measure against sexual promiscuity.
It is hoped that Mary's heroics will inspire more young people to support the campaign against female genital mutilation.
Babs Kay.
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