Boy Child or Girl Child. Does It Really Matter?
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Posted by Ike Okoye
on December 27, 2008 at 09:17:59:
Being a parent is one of the most fulfilling experiences that can ever happen to an individual. However, for many Africans the birth of a girl still seems to be second preference to that of a boy. On Fri 31 Oct at 20:00 CAT, Africa Magic brings Pains Of Womanhood I,II, a tension-filled movie which weighs the value of boys versus that of girls. The central character in this film is Nne, an ordinary African man who is not happy with the fact that his wife has only given birth to female children. Things are getting worse for Nne and soon the whole community seems to be discriminating against him because of his inability to produce a son. Anyone who has grown up in traditional African communities will attest to the perpetuation of the belief that a man has not fulfilled his mission on earth unless he has a son to carry on with his clan's bloodline. This justification alone doesn't seem like a practical reason for the survival of this age old custom, there must be more motivation behind this tradition than the desire to continue the family name. Perhaps the main reason for a boy child's importance in any family is the realization that after his father's passing; he will take over the reigns of the entire clan. He will become the protector, provider and guardian of his mother and siblings. This naturally became a concern in a family where there were no boys to take over the role of family patriarch. Another possible reason for the emphasis on boys would be that all families need to grow and have various branches so that the communal effect creates a safety net for the members of that clan. In order for this to happen the sons must leave home, marry a suitable wife and have children. Unfortunately with girls, this cannot be done. African nature and society dictates that women are incorporated into the man's family when they get married. If one looks at the practical reasons for desiring a son, it is plain to see that it is actually for the benefit of the entire family that a boy child is welcomed. However it is very saddening to see a noble and genuine tradition turn into one that has devalued the girl child. The emphasis on having boys has made millions of girls and their parents feel. The value of a woman has been underestimated and it is only in recent times that we see women and mothers being celebrated for their mammoth contribution to African societies.
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