To Live or to Die?

The Nigerian constitution makes little provision for the emancipation of women. Economically and socially they are marginalised and culture dictates silence in the face of oppression. A medical doctor, the author looks at socio-cultural practices affecting women, and the effects on the family in particular and the nation as a whole. He brings insight from his practice of medicine and observation of the negative impact on women's health of societal practices. Amongst issues he covers are female genital mutilation, child marriages, teenage pregnancy, sexual offences against women, widowhood, battered women, handicapped women, educational marginalisation, marriage and the use of women in ritualistic tendencies. Cultural groupings and their negative impact in cultural life are examined: the Umuadas, the Oganjes, Abikus and Wabi, and the Weu-Ukwu.