Coming from a Women’s Studies background, possessing
an unwavering passion for equality across all realms for men and women I
believed my time spent in Zambia would add much to this passion by bringing
forth new experiences and challenges. When I first arrived in Zambia, I was a
bit shocked by the way in which I felt completely comfortable with how I viewed
gender roles and relations. Due to the fact that Zambia is a very peaceful
country; the people being no different, I was under the impression that people
seemed rather content with the roles they play in their lives as men and women.
I even went as far in a previous blog regarding polygamist marriages to say
that the women appear happy and the multiple wives act as if they are friends. While
I have no doubt this may be partially true and of course not ever situation is
the same, I have recently had to remind myself of the age old saying, ‘don’t
judge a book by its cover.’ What appears one way the first time you see it, may
not in fact be what the reality is. This has certainly been the case in regards
to gender relations.
It had been a long time since I felt truly, ‘fired
up’ about an injustice imposed on women. I usually have these what I call,
‘spirts’ of fiery passion regarding some dramatic feeling and thought I have
regarding the superior position I so often find men to be placed in by mere
birth right.
After talking with several women who are living in
polygamist marriages, the consensus in the words of the wives is, “it’s not
good.” Someone from the ‘developed world’ may automatically think, “well of
course it’s not, there would be TONS of jealously.” While I am sure there is
jealously, it appears that perhaps a larger concern is the distribution of
wealth. If one man has three wives and 19 children in total (I must admit, this
is my host father), how will he decide which child is sent to secondary school?
How will he manage to provide enough food for the entire family let alone soap
for the family to bathe with? In Zambian
culture, men are the head of the household controlling the finances and
resources in the family. Although women are usually helping in the income
generating work in the fields, they often never see the money. In fact, when
the maize is finally cultivated many wives may be given zero funds, questioning
where in fact the money even went. Sometimes women create their own income
generating activity (for example selling animals, making goods, etc.) but
usually they are at the mercy of their husband and what he chooses to do for
the family.
The persistent cultural belief of a patriarchal
society poses challenges for health related work as well as daily life for
individuals in Kasiya area (my specific area). Gender roles are clearly defined
and women and girls are expected to not only help in the fields, but to assume
responsibilities of all the housework and caring for children. Many men have
more free time often spending it socializing. In fact, there are a handful of
men who spend their free time drinking the local maize beer resulting in them
leaving the wives and children in the home. Child labor is common, with boys
helping in construction and much manual labor. Girls often assist with much of
the housework including fetching water, sweeping, cooking meals for the family,
and childcare for the young children. At times, children are forced to miss
school in order to help with the family chores or field work, jeopardizing
their opportunity for education. In many families men are fed first, then women
and lastly children leading to the youngest receiving less or perhaps the worst
portion of the food. In addition, almost all people in the area cultivate maize/corn
but very few grow any other crops or vegetables causing a lack of variety and
balanced meals for the family. This increases the likelihood of malnutrition
and anemia within my community.
From my perspective women are oppressed in many ways
in Tonga culture. I believe the over-arching theme is a lack of personal autonomy
and lack of power. Some examples can be seen in polygamist marriages, frequent domestic
abuse, men being given stools to sit on while women usually sit on the ground, lack
of power in decision making among women, and the distribution of familial
house work. The list could go on and on (perhaps I will write a full on list someday).
One striking observation has been the prevalence of pregnancies among girls in
my community. It is not uncommon to find many girls dropping out of school
because they have been impregnated by a much older man or they are told they
must stay at home in order to take care of the daily chores.
Does every woman feel as though they are oppressed though? No, I do not think so. It is possible that some of the relationships between men and women are relatively ‘equal.’ I would like to suggest though that I think that for the most part, when it comes to village life, there is a vast inequality that persists. I would also like to suggest that men simply have more power here. Fortunately, I have met some men who can understand this and are perhaps trying to even the ‘playing field.’ On the other side, those who have power in this world are usually not extremely willing to give this up.
Judging from my initial perhaps incorrect impression
of gender relations in Zambia, I am not naive to the fact that I have still
only been here for less than six months so I have much more learning to do. I
am also aware that I am writing from my own bias. I can only write what I have
experienced and what I am thinking based on my own filter of information. I am also aware that I posses an insane amount of privilege just from being a white American. In fact, I am reminded of this privilege daily also making me question even more things. Ultimately though, I know that each day I will continue to learn
more, adding more substance to these discussions and thoughts.
While it can be discouraging thinking about the
stark gender inequality that persists in Zambian villages, there are also many
reasons to stay positive and ways in which things can change for the better. I
truly think that one of the greatest ways to influence the status quo and the
way in which many people view gender dynamics is through educating the youth
population. Peace Corps has an option for us to run a club for both boys and
girls on gender equality. Lessons include discussions around masculinity/femininity,
roles within the family, personal role models, goals and aspirations, HIV/AIDS
prevention and personal well-being. I believe that through programs such as
these and open discussions maybe (just maybe!) there can be a change for the
better. Only time will tell.
I have included some pictures of some of the girls i am surrounded by who inspire me daily!
“This is a
man’s world but it would be nothing without a woman or a girl.”
