Harmful traditional practices impede women’s growth

Some traditional practices are harmful and a violation of the rights of women. Indeed, some practices are criminal offences because they include some form of violence against women. What makes these practices a menace is the belief by perpetrators that they are not doing anything wrong because such acts are accepted cultural practices in certain communities in the society and are generally acceptable as a way of life.

There are many harmful traditional practices but the most common in this part of the world include harmful widowhood practices, child abuse, forceful takeover of property and rights, forced or early marriage, violent control and intimidation of spouses as well as female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM), preference and favouritism of the male child, among many others.

Though harmful traditional practices occur across all sexual identities and genders and are not unique to a particular culture or religion, women are usually at the receiving end and it more often than not results in isolation, limited career opportunities, financial dependence and emotional trauma.

While it is true that many traditions promote social cohesion and unity, others have been proved to erode the physical and psychological health and integrity of individuals, especially women and girls. And though there are concerted efforts to erode these practices, it has continued to be a herculean task and efforts to re-orientate and curb this in the typical African society is usually met with suspicion or hostility from people, especially when outsiders are involved.

When girls are married off at a young age, often to older men because that the culture of the land, the ability of such girls to attain their potentials have been removed as they have no power to look for self-determination; they cannot stay in school and often have little knowledge and exposure to issues, even when it affects them personally. They are deprived of their sexual reproductive health and rights as well as the right to association and getting an income.

While laws outlining minimum age for marriage have been enacted in Nigeria, the laws often fail to prevent forced marriages of the very young due to cultural and specific religious beliefs. As much as there are laws preventing harmful practices, implementation is almost non-existent.

Cultural and religious beliefs are powerful difficult to change except when they originate within the culture that practices them. This is when it is effective though it still requires perseverance and the cooperation of community leaders, policy makers and stakeholders from diverse pressure groups.

These practices serve as a barrier against the development of women and girls collectively and individually. It stops them from attaining potentials and enforces the network of poverty prevalent among women. When the women fold languishes in poverty, the society is affected and the economy also suffers.

To change the narrative and make a difference, community education is a necessity because there must be a change of orientation before harmful practices can be removed from the society. There is also a need to create awareness about the hazards associated with harmful traditional practices as some not only affect women psychologically, some affect their health, finances and their potentials.

It is time for everyone to lend a voice to the cause of eradicating harmful traditional practices.