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The Men Speak
Out "Having been put into place by men as community decision makers, we the modern men, being heads of our families and therefore the community decision maker - a responsibility given us by God, have decided to take our roles seriously in bringing about the much desired change. We have and all should understand that as family and God given responsibilities. "It is for this reason that we have strongly decided to co-operate with our women-folk to obey God´s command of circumcision for boy children only. We hope and expect that our women will have a good reason to smile as we have agreed to remove the burden of removing their most sensitive sexual organ, the clitoris, so that they have a chance to enjoy their conjugal right. We apologize on behalf of our forefathers for putting in place a brutal and unnecessary cultural practice." |
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LIFE-STORY OF KANAKALA LAKSHMI |
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Finally, one day her sister-in-law and mother-in-law together
plotted to let the gas cylinder leak in the kitchen so that when Kanakala
lights the stove she will be killed in the fire. As she entered the kitchen
she realised the gas leaking and ran out. This was the second attempt
to kill her. This happened on July 8, 1996. She was kicked out and told
to come back only with the said amount. She returned home and stayed with
her mum and dad. Her father with the help of the local village elders
tried for a settlement of the issue. As is the practice, no one else will
marry a girl once divorced; her father was desperate for a settlement.
But, it was for no avail. The boy´s party demanded more money. Finally,
her father sought the help of the Government to give a verdict. A case
was filed for divorce on grounds of physical abuse and all the previous
incidents were recorded in the divorce papers. But, today the boy and
his party never report for any court hearings. The girl continues in her
mental agony over the situation as her voice fluttered in her conversation
with me.
Through her village pastor who received our circular about the Vocational College, she was brought to the school. Now, she feels that she will be able to find a way to stand on her feet and help her parents, as she is the only child. |
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