The long, thorny road to womanhood
Mar 11, 2010
CALL it arrogance, but I was one of those chics who believed girls did not need the extra 1.5 points to get into university, because it implied that the female brain was inferior and unable to accomplish what the male brain could.
By Ilonka Naziwa
CALL it arrogance, but I was one of those chics who believed girls did not need the extra 1.5 points to get into university, because it implied that the female brain was inferior and unable to accomplish what the male brain could.
But over the years, I have learned that awarding female students that extra point was not a leniency for their lack of mental capacity, but rather a recognition that an average girl-child faces more hurdles to get to a higher institute of learning than an average boy-child.
I used to have the same feelings about Women’s Day, but I have come to appreciate its importance. Before Women’s Day, my friend literally forced me to buy a ticket for a charity dinner for an NGO that helps teenage mothers.
The proceeds would go to developing a home for young mothers. Honestly, if I had a charity of choice, it would probably be for orphan children. I never considered young mothers a critical charity cause (I am speaking for myself here).
However, since I bought the ticket, I decided that I might as well get the meal that goes with it.
It was during the dinner that a slim girl was called to speak. We shall call her Teddy. She was wearing a light blue sleeveless blouse with a matching long skirt and looked so young.
Teddy began narrating how in 2003, after her S4, she went to Kampala to stay with her aunt for vacation. While there, a man in the neighbourhood started vying for her attention.
Realising Teddy was not interested, he persuaded a worker at her aunt’s home to let him into the house when the aunt was at work. The man raped her!
Due to the humiliation, as often happens in such circumstances, Teddy never told anyone. Her vacation ended and she returned to her village.
Three months later, Teddy found out she was pregnant. And in a cruel twist of events, the doctor who had done the pregnancy test proposed an affair with her which she declined. Instead, she sought an abortion.
After three failed abortion attempts, she was ostracised by family and friends, dropped out of school and eventually, found her way to this NGO for young mothers.
While there, she received counselling and emotional support that helped her overcome her desire to commit suicide.
She gave birth to a baby boy and got sponsorship to complete her education. Her son also got financial aid (for his day-to-day requirements).
On completing high school, she got a part-time job and enrolled in a higher institute of learning. Teddy recently graduated with a first class degree in business administration.
She says she forgave the man and all those who ridiculed her. She says she owes it all to God. And I have to agree.
Teddy’s story is just an example of how uneven the playing ground is for the girl-child compared to the boy-child.
Her path is more treacherous, her life more vulnerable. The journey does not get easier, nor does the vulnerability lessen. I understand the extra 1.5 points for her if she has braved it all and arrived at the doors of higher learning.
I understand the one day set aside to honour her. And I say thank you to all those who acknowledge that she deserves this.
CALL it arrogance, but I was one of those chics who believed girls did not need the extra 1.5 points to get into university, because it implied that the female brain was inferior and unable to accomplish what the male brain could.
But over the years, I have learned that awarding female students that extra point was not a leniency for their lack of mental capacity, but rather a recognition that an average girl-child faces more hurdles to get to a higher institute of learning than an average boy-child.
I used to have the same feelings about Women’s Day, but I have come to appreciate its importance. Before Women’s Day, my friend literally forced me to buy a ticket for a charity dinner for an NGO that helps teenage mothers.
The proceeds would go to developing a home for young mothers. Honestly, if I had a charity of choice, it would probably be for orphan children. I never considered young mothers a critical charity cause (I am speaking for myself here).
However, since I bought the ticket, I decided that I might as well get the meal that goes with it.
It was during the dinner that a slim girl was called to speak. We shall call her Teddy. She was wearing a light blue sleeveless blouse with a matching long skirt and looked so young.
Teddy began narrating how in 2003, after her S4, she went to Kampala to stay with her aunt for vacation. While there, a man in the neighbourhood started vying for her attention.
Realising Teddy was not interested, he persuaded a worker at her aunt’s home to let him into the house when the aunt was at work. The man raped her!
Due to the humiliation, as often happens in such circumstances, Teddy never told anyone. Her vacation ended and she returned to her village.
Three months later, Teddy found out she was pregnant. And in a cruel twist of events, the doctor who had done the pregnancy test proposed an affair with her which she declined. Instead, she sought an abortion.
After three failed abortion attempts, she was ostracised by family and friends, dropped out of school and eventually, found her way to this NGO for young mothers.
While there, she received counselling and emotional support that helped her overcome her desire to commit suicide.
She gave birth to a baby boy and got sponsorship to complete her education. Her son also got financial aid (for his day-to-day requirements).
On completing high school, she got a part-time job and enrolled in a higher institute of learning. Teddy recently graduated with a first class degree in business administration.
She says she forgave the man and all those who ridiculed her. She says she owes it all to God. And I have to agree.
Teddy’s story is just an example of how uneven the playing ground is for the girl-child compared to the boy-child.
Her path is more treacherous, her life more vulnerable. The journey does not get easier, nor does the vulnerability lessen. I understand the extra 1.5 points for her if she has braved it all and arrived at the doors of higher learning.
I understand the one day set aside to honour her. And I say thank you to all those who acknowledge that she deserves this.