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Happy International Day of the Girl Child 2020
A thread
https://phoenixplore.wordpress.com/2020/10/11/happy-international-day-of-the-girl-child-2020/
A thread
https://phoenixplore.wordpress.com/2020/10/11/happy-international-day-of-the-girl-child-2020/
Mama Kemi and Mama Ada were both widows in their early 60s. Mama Kemi was hypertensive as well as diabetic but had long since moved from the village to Abuja to live with her younger daughter who was a software developer.
Mama Kemi cultivated a garden in her daughter’s backyard with the help of her grandchildren. She would plant vegetables, corn, groundnut and what-nots. It kept her busy and happy.
The two daughters had decided years ago that it was best for them to have their mother close to enable them take proper care of her. The elder daughter, Kemi who was a nurse also lived in Abuja and alternated between visiting and taking their mother to her home for short stays.
At times, her children will come on holidays and stay with their grandmother.
Mama Ada on the other hand had lived most of her life in Onitsha, raised her five sons there singlehandedly, having lost her husband when the boys were still tender. Now, they were all business men and lived far away with their own families.
Occasionally, they would send her some money but she hardly saw them except maybe during Christmas.
She relied more on the assistance of her neighbors and on the proceeds from her petty foodstuff kiosk for her survival. But it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with the demands of buying and selling.
She was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis years ago and the increasing pain was making it almost impossible to function properly without aid. The little girl living with her could only do as much as her young limbs and brain could carry.
Her neighbors had been quite helpful. When things get out of hand as they usually do when the rheumatoid pains become intense, they would call the sons. But they were often too busy to visit. At times they will send money.
Between the two women, who has an easier, happier life?
Between the two women, who has an easier, happier life?
My sister, if you are blessed with five girls, all you need do is give them the best training. By the time old age comes around, you will be the envy of many.
Brother, if God gives you 5 boys, what can I say? Train them well and pray they marry good wives that will remember you at old age or at least allow your sons to do their best by you.
But come to think of it, what would have been the fate of Mama Kemi if she had refused to let her daughters pursue their dreams because they were girls?
What if their spouses were beating them up at the slightest provocation? They could be dead by now and their houses won’t be a home to their mother.
What if the girls were raped and butchered to death?
What if the girls were raped and butchered to death?
What if they were married off to some old Alhaji when they were still children?
The girl-child is as important to society and families as the male child. . Treat her with dignity. Accord her her rights. Do not deny her of equal opportunities. She can be your savior tomorrow.
The girl-child is as important to society and families as the male child. . Treat her with dignity. Accord her her rights. Do not deny her of equal opportunities. She can be your savior tomorrow.
Happy International Day of the Girl Child to every girl with a dream. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise, keep pursuing your dreams.
To every girl striving to break barriers and soar, keep fighting, the star will be your stepping stone.
To every girl striving to break barriers and soar, keep fighting, the star will be your stepping stone.
This thread can be read here: https://phoenixplore.wordpress.com/2020/10/11/happy-international-day-of-the-girl-child-2020/
