More than "just Africa"

Seriously, I have a new rule (aside from trying to cut back on how often I use seriously). “It’s the Village” and “This is Africa” are no longer excuses. You cannot hope to excuse completely inappropriate behaviours of your own people by saying it is Africa. If the foreigners want to say it – fine, if the expats want to say it – whatever, but I want people here to want better for themselves.

If your next-door-neighbour is beating her kids constantly, to the point where her little girl is disabled – do something about it. There is no way a 5-year-old deserves that kind of punishment – it’s not punishment it’s torture. Don’t tell me it is because you are in the village, and don’t tell me they won’t listen to you because you are someone from the city. Walk over there and demand they stop. Walk over there and tell the little girl she is worth more and there another way. Stop the cycle before that little girl grows up (if she survives that long) gets married, and begins abusing her kids.

Make your government live up to their promise of FREE Universal Primary Education. Make sure the girl-child especially gets some education to teach them how to live, thrive and survive. Don’t write off child-brides as “African culture” that will take a long time to change. If the girl is so young she doesn’t understand why her parents are sending her off with a strange man – you KNOW that is wrong.

Stop making excuses for yourselves. Stand up and do what’s right for the people in your country to grow together and stronger.