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From Tradition to Triumph

By Mariama Sow

Dear Reader,

I could be a better writer, but I am thankful for the opportunities. I remember I always disliked writing in high school.  It was always something challenging and had lots of requirements. I fear writing because I don't understand all the grammar that needs to be used, but thanks to this English class, I have a change of mind. Writing has become one of my favorite things to do these days. It allows me to express myself and connect with my emotions. Before coming into this class, I didn't know what autoethnography was. As the word sounds big, Autoethnography is writing with personal experience, a deeply rooted emotional topic that can be researched. This method of writing provides tools for a specific topic to be explored and solutions that can be implemented.

I didn't know what to write about, as choosing a topic was quite challenging because I had many experiences with emotion-related things.  I decided to reflect on the personal experience that life offered me in the hands of my family. Writing about this will be easy because it's familiar to the world. However, it is not as easy as it seems. I had to read many works and related articles to structure my work. I got confused in the process, but again, I was thankful because the Professor and the writing center, coupled with the peer review, were able to help.

Researching and writing this paper, compared to others, allows me to express myself and explain what happened to women from my ethnic background. It is difficult to describe the emotional story that happened to me since I was a kid. Other papers do not allow me to express myself, so this is a way  of relating to my ancestors and narrating their pain.  The most challenging part of this writing is not finding the topic or describing the emotional and psychological effects; instead, it suggests possible solutions because you don't know which one is effective. Before reaching this far, I feared dropping the class, but the professor was beneficial.

His guidance provided insight into my writing, suggesting additional sources and the structure format for a well-organized paper. I don't know why I share this story because I usually don't like to talk about it, but after thinking about it, I realized that this story needs to be shared; the world has to know about it. I care about my traditions and love my people, but sometimes, they are ignorant of the reality of things. I realized if I keep this, it will make no difference in someone's life, but if I do speak about it, someone somewhere will be impacted, and change may happen. It has been a fantastic journey, and I am glad to have taken this class because it has brought out one of the best parts of this.

Best Regards, M.S.

From Tradition to Triumph:

A Fulani Woman's Quest for Freedom from Early Marriage and Her Thirst for Education

Abstract

Women are a valid symbol of resilience in the Fulani ethnic group. They carry the burden of family shame for choosing education, empowerment, or having dreams for a brighter future over early marriage. Their identities are often influenced by external factors such as cultural practices, religious beliefs, and societal expectations that place a tag price on their heads. These practices robbed them of their childhood, education, and empowerment dreams. They are manipulated to believe their worth is measured by their ability to marry early, bear children, and manage household responsibilities. This societal belief is expressed in the proverb, "Good children are for the father, and the bad ones are for the mother," because she refuses to submit to her husband fully or does not do an excellent job. When shortcomings are blamed on the mother, the man is seen as a hero because he is the head of the home, the final decision-maker, and the provider for the family.

As the writer, this is my experience. I escaped an arranged marriage despite the challenges I encountered: financial hardship, depression, cultural barriers, and stigma. I secured a scholarship at Â鶹 that allowed me to further my studies and gave me better opportunities to achieve my goals.  The story is about consistency, determination, and resilience from a young woman who seeks better opportunities to help herself and others.

There is much literature on early marriage and its consequences on women and children. (Child-Marriage-In-West-Africa-Ford-Foundation-2013_02-.Pdf; Shunmuga et al.). However, there needs to be more addressing this cultural phenomenon's emotional and psychological toll of the co-shame women go through in the name of culture or religion. Additional measures must be in place to assist these women in fighting these abnormal practices, which are biased toward only one gender.

I am using the autoethnographic methodology, which means I will use my expertise to show how early child marriage affects women and children psychologically, emotionally, and mentally in this paper.

Growing Up In The Fulani Setting

Growing up in the Fulani ethnic background shaped my understanding of my identity as a young woman. From an early age, I have faced significant challenges at the hands of my family. because of early marriage, making my worth solely tied to it. I've been told on many accounts that "education isn't worth your time," "you are a female, and pretty soon you will be in your husband's home and start bearing children." etc. The expectations placed on women, coupled with family pressure, made me angry and devastated often. The challenges I encountered at the hands of my family left me wondering if tradition was worth my time and if religion was created for one specific gender and favored the other.

I couldn't follow these outdated practices; I could not sell my future or be the sacrificial lamb. I had to fight this at all costs, not only for me but also for the future generation. This brings me to where I am today; studying at Lewis is a testament to my determination, resilience, and unaccountable sacrifices. I asked myself why I desired education so much. Why do I believe it is the gate to freedom and independence? To answer these questions, I will ask: How do cultural traditions impact the education and empowerment of women in the Fulani community?

My father, in particular, has no formal education. When I was little, I often saw people cheating on him when it came to reading his account statement, analyzing the number of goods imported, or the expenditure made by the company. This opened my eyes to the need for education. Despite being uneducated, he is a successful businessman and one of our community's leaders, having helped many young people in the business industry. His achievements and leadership in the community reinforced the societal expectations for both men and women. Men of his Caliban expected him to implement or take the lead in every decision-making that would benefit the society. They also meant I felt the pressure of our family's reputation. The expectation to comply intensified as I was introduced to marriage at a young age, a concept that felt limiting compared to my dreams of education and independence. Lack of education can lead to wrong and uninformed decisions, and I became determined to change my destiny.

I pleaded for the opportunity to complete my high school education, but my pleas turned me into an enemy within my family. My father transferred me from Light International School to SOS Hermann Gmeiner International High School, cutting off all allowances and subjecting me to an existence that felt more like imprisonment than education. Light International School was one of the best Turkish schools operating in Liberia. I love being there because of the programs offered and freedom and liberty. The school involved many extracurricular activities for students and provided many international opportunities, such as traveling to other countries like Turkey, Morocco, Senegal, etc. They also organized an annual science fair where students showcased the various projects they had worked on, and the best won the grand prize, with scholarship opportunities both locally and internationally.

On the other hand, SOS Hermann Gmeiner International High School was also among the best. As you may know, it was founded by a German named Hermann Gmeiner, who dedicated his life to the underprivileged. This school has similar opportunities for all students, but adapting was difficult for me. Eventually, I accepted fate and began to make friends with others and practice activities like debate, quizzing, and having academic and sports competitions across the country with other schools.

To support myself and continue fighting, I started a small baking business to meet my needs. Although I was not initially baking, I purchased goods from the bakery. I sold them on campus, which generated substantial money that provided my basic needs and set the foundation for my business career. These internal challenges escalated tensions when I was in the twelfth grade. My father drove me out of the country, hoping I would abandon my studies and submit to his will.

Fortunately, the SOS administration and teachers reported the situation to the Gender Ministry of Liberia. We returned to our previous lives thanks to a local NGO (YEAI-Liberia) I volunteered for and friends who helped fund our (my sis and I) trip. The Gender Ministry intervened, questioning my father's decisions. Ultimately, legal action was not pursued because he promised to avoid pressuring us into marriage and would fund our education up to the university level. I completed the West African Senior School Certificate Examination successfully. Now, my journey in high school has come to an end after countless battles, fights, and obstacles. After graduating, I took the University of Liberia Entrance Exam and began to work after enrolling for that academic year.

To deepen my understanding of the challenges women face in the Fulani community and other parts of the world, I began researching the effect of early marriage on women and society. I started on October 28, 2024, by interviewing one of my aunts from Liberia who belongs to the Fulani community. This is how it went:

Engaging with my aunt widened my perspective on how men and women in our community are treated. Both genders are victims of society and cultural practices that have a psychological impact on their lives. However, men have the upper hand and are seen as heroes because he is the heads of the home and the provider. On the other hand, women play a supporting role in watching everyone do well in their lives and career choices at the expense of their dreams and aspirations.

My aunt's story shows the opportunities available to men and women and recognizes the need for change in society's perspective. Understanding these challenges has motivated me to start advocating for a better world for myself and women. I began to question what we can do to change these practices, how we go about it, and what the advantages are.

Literature Review on the Impact on Young Women of Child Marriage

Women who are exposed to early marriage are deprived of education, lack decision-making, and find themselves trapped in a cycle of deprivation. Their health often deteriorates, and they frequently remain in poverty as they suffer the consequences of unwanted pregnancy. Frequently, they are denied birth control and wind up having many children as a result. "Over half of currently married/cohabiting women aged 20-24 in Liberia (52%) and Sierra Leone (54%) married before age 18, and over one in 10 married before age 15. In both countries, after adjusting for other factors, being married before the age of 18 was significantly associated with  early fertility, high fertility, and low fertility control" (Reisz et al.). 

The most immediate and concerning impact of child marriage is the severe health risks these young girls face during pregnancy and childbirth. These brides have serious health risks in childbirth because their bodies are not fully developed. Some of these women face (Excessive Bleeding, Blood Clots,  and  Prolonged  Labor, etc. resulting in the need for C-sections, leaving many women vulnerable to infections. "The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 800 women die daily from avoidable causes related to pregnancy and birth, and 99% of all maternal deaths occur in developing countries” (W+2_R+R_14.06_eng.Pdf) 

I can't imagine what life must be like for these young girls who are forced into marriage. Teenage pregnancies have a higher rate of maternal death compared to older women. This highlights the risks faced by child brides, who often marry and conceive before their bodies are fully mature and prepared for childbirth. As I read more about the risks, I realized that the consequences are physical and psychological. They are thrust into roles they are not prepared for, often facing both the physical dangers of childbirth and the emotional burdens of motherhood long before they have the maturity to cope with them.

Additionally, "every year, approximately 16 million adolescent girls between the ages of 15 and 19 give birth, with 95% of these births occurring in developing countries” (O'Loughlin). This data is particularly troubling given the high rates of child marriage in these regions, where young girls are often married off due to socioeconomic pressures. In these settings, health care is not as developed as in the West, nor is it affordable, and so child brides frequently lack access to healthcare before, during, and after childbirth, leading to preventable deaths. Adolescents are especially vulnerable to complications such as postpartum hemorrhage, depression, etc., which are more likely to occur in young mothers whose bodies are not fully developed for pregnancy.

Beyond the physical risks, child marriage imposes severe psychological burdens on young women. Being thrust into adulthood prematurely, these girls often face a significant loss of their childhood and youth. They are frequently expected to take on adult responsibilities such as caring for a home and children, even though they lack the emotional maturity to cope with such duties. As a result, many young brides experience feelings of isolation, depression, and anxiety. Studies like these show that adolescent girls married before 18 are more likely to suffer from depression and post-traumatic stress disorder .

The emotional stress associated with child marriage is compounded by the lack of support from family, husband, or loved one. In many cases, these girls are denied the right to make decisions about their well-being. This psychological oppression leaves them vulnerable to exploitation and within the cycle of poverty.

Economic factors compound this issue; many girls from poor backgrounds marry young as a means of financial relief for their families, yet this short-term relief often continues the cycle of poverty within the family and society. For example, in countries like Liberia and Sierra Leone, over 50% of women aged 20-24 were married before the age of 18, and these high rates of child marriage are strongly correlated with poverty. "Liberia has the 20th highest prevalence of child marriage globally, with girls from the poorest households most affected" (Young “Liberian People Are Leading Change to End Child Marriage"). Child brides also lack decision-making skills because they rely heavily on the husband, religion or culture, especially when it comes to personal matters, health, the economic situation of the family, or prosperity, which leaves them vulnerable to society's exploitation. As they become mothers, they are increasingly confined to their homes, unable to contribute to the workforce or support themselves financially, making it more difficult for these girls to break free from the constraints of their circumstances.

Searching For a Possible Solution to Early Child Marriage

I decided to refer back to the interview I did with my Auntie to research solutions to reduce or eliminate early or forced marriage. She mentions education and empowerment as the primary solutions to end these challenges.  I also decided to explore how educational programs tailored explicitly for at-risk youth can provide an alternative to early marriage by young girls with the knowledge and skills needed to empower them to make informed decisions about the future.

Education and Empowerment

The solution to ending child or forced marriage requires a dynamic approach that involves legal, educational, healthcare, and social reforms. One of the most effective solutions is education, which plays an essential role in combating child marriage. "Education is the key factor for women's empowerment, prosperity, development, and welfare."(Shunmuga et al.) Educating children and parents about the danger of forced marriage and the consequences of early child marriage will enlighten them and give them another perspective, empowering individuals to make informed decisions. Programs that keep young girls in school, especially secondary education, can help delay marriage. Schooling equips girls with knowledge and skills, provides a social space that reinforces their self-worth, and offers them alternatives to early marriage.  Education  programs  should  include  life  skills,  decision-making,  and  reproductive health education. Community and cultural change can occur through education, allowing society to see another perspective. Programs that work at the community level to carry out awareness of the dangers of child marriage, as well as promote the value of education and girls' rights, are essential. Besides including the family or the child, community leaders, religious leaders, and elders who can influence social norms can encourage a shift toward protecting girls' rights and welfare.

The Government Responsibility

Government policies are a significant factor that allow society to fight such marriages. "Over the past decades, laws banning child marriage and national strategies to prevent it have been in place in a growing number of countries. Alongside a rapid increase in efforts by civil society organizations, an UN-coordinated, multi-donor, global program is operational, and there are governmental/supported efforts in a growing number of countries."(Svanemyr et al.)  First, to strengthen these efforts, governments must enforce laws and prohibit child marriage. It is essential to ensure that minimum marriage age laws are strictly upheld and that there are legal consequences for those who facilitate or encourage child marriage. Moreover, rules should be established to provide legal recourse for young women who wish to escape child marriages with reforms that ensure access to justice for those in abusive or exploitative marital relationships.

Sometimes, it is not just having the laws on paper; it's about implementing them and protecting these young women. Before I escaped forced marriage from my family, the government of Liberia was aware of my situation. Instead of protecting me, they sent me back to my father's house because he promised not to bother me with marriage until after university. Did he live up to his promise? NO! Still, nothing was done to protect me simply because my dad promised to no longer pressure me, and things became more difficult. This also happened to many others; they are left vulnerable, and government policies are weak in developing countries.

Access to Health Services And Economic Empowerment

As I said earlier, in developing countries like Liberia or Sierra Leone, the medical system is not as advanced as in the West, so accessing adequate healthcare, particularly maternal health services, is crucial to address the health risks associated with child marriage. Child brides should have access to prenatal care, childbirth assistance from trained professionals, and postnatal care to avoid complications and reduce maternal mortality. Family planning services, including birth control,  should  be  made accessible  to  ensure  that  girls  can  delay  childbirth  until  they  are physically and mentally ready.

Factors why parents pressure their children to marry is because of financial burden or hardship. It is essential to implement programs that empower families economically. Vocational training, microfinance, and access to employment opportunities can provide families with alternative income sources. Governments and local NGOs can work together to create community programs that help families become financially self-sufficient, reducing the perceived need to marry off their daughters at a young age. One of the local NGOs (Yeai-Liberia) is known to provide various training for girls of all ages.

Nujood's decision to take action and demand her freedom was an act of courage and a turning point for many others trapped in similar situations. Her bravery drew the attention of the media, and her case highlighted the more significant issue of child marriage, especially in Yemen and other parts of the world where this practice is still prevalent.

After the divorce,  she faced stigma and significant challenges.  But despite these obstacles, Nujood's story shows the importance of justice and community-based solutions for affected individuals. Her journey didn't end with her escape from marriage; it led her to become a global advocate for girls' rights, speaking out against child marriage and for the education and empowerment of young girls. She used her voice to call for change, knowing that her story was not isolated but a much larger global issue.

Call To Action/ My Role

Nujood's experience shows the problematic issues surrounding child marriage and the critical role of community action in addressing these injustices. While her case brought significant attention to the practice of child marriage in Yemen, it also highlighted the need for broader societal change. In many countries, including Yemen, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, laws and cultural norms continue to allow child marriage, often without consequence. In these societies, the voices of young girls like Nujood are usually silenced, and their futures are decided for them.

As Nujood reflects, "It's not enough to free the girls. We must allow them to build a future, dream, and become educated."  This is where the community's responsibility lies. Families, governments, and organizations all need to work together to create a supportive environment that protects girls from harm. This includes advocating for stronger laws against child marriage, ensuring that girls have access to education, and providing support systems for those who are escaping abusive situations.

Nujood's case also shows the need for solidarity in addressing child marriage. While her personal story is inspiring, it is the international community's collective responsibility to push for policy change, provide resources, and support organizations that help girls like Nujood. No girl should have to endure what Nujood endured, and it is only through a united effort that we can hope to end child marriage once and for all.

As I write this paper, education is the most potent solution to combating child marriage. If I had been given the choice again, I would choose education over early marriage, as it provides young girls with knowledge, autonomy, and the means to build a brighter future. As you can see, I am at   Â鶹 and was fortunate to receive a substantial scholarship award. Â鶹, one of the best universities in the USA, planted a seed of hope in my heart with this generous partial scholarship they awarded me. Even though I didn't  apply for this merit-based scholarship, I was grateful for the generosity of the University. I am here in the USA studying.

Do I regret my decision? No, I don't! It has brought out the best in me and taught me the other side of life. In my own words, life without obstacles is boring, and I look forward to every obstacle that comes my way with the hope it will bring and the joy. My life has taken the shape I imagined it to be. Had I married and subjected myself to society's wants or family pressure, I can assure you I would be living dead by now because I would be denied a future for the rest of my life and the generation to come.

The Responsibility of the Community

I decided to understand the perspective of someone who had lived through the horrors of child marriage and came across the story of Nujood Ali. Nujood's journey sheds light on the struggles faced by young girls married off at an early age and the importance of community in helping break the cycle of early marriage.

As a young girl in Yemen, Nujood never imagined she would be married off at 9. She was only a child, still playing with dolls and dreaming of the future. But in Yemen, where child marriage remains widespread, Nujood was not given a choice in the matter. Her parents arranged for her to marry a man over three times her age. "I didn't even understand marriage," she recalls, "I was still a child."(Divorced at 10)

At just 10  years old, Nujood found herself living with a much older man who was physically and emotionally abusive. "I was expected to be a wife, but I was just a girl," Nujood says. Forced to take on adult responsibilities, she was pushed into a life that stripped her of her childhood. Still, her journey out of this situation is a powerful reminder of the bravery required to break free and the responsibility of communities to prevent such injustices.

The Turning Point

After months of suffering and isolation, Nujood reached a breaking point and decided to escape. Despite her young age, she ran away from her husband's home and went to a courthouse in Sana'a, Yemen. Standing before a judge, Nujood, in tears, declared, "I am a child, I am a child." Her plea for freedom was heard, and, in a historic moment, the judge granted her a divorce

Work Cited

Child-Marriage-In-West-Africa-Ford-Foundation-2013_02-.Pdf. https://drpcngr.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Child-Marriage-In-West-Africa-Ford-Foundation-2013_02-.pdf. Accessed 30 Oct. 2024.

This is a report on Child Marriage in West Africa. It looks at how common child marriage is in the region and its effects on girls. It explains how early marriage harms girls' health, education, and future. The report highlights factors like poverty, culture, and lack of education that lead to child marriage. It also discusses efforts to stop it, such as legal changes and programs to support girls, and the report calls for more decisive action to help girls.

"Divorced at 10: The Story of Nujood Ali." Criminal, . Accessed 29 Nov. 2024. 

"Divorced at 10: The Story of Nujood Ali," tells the heartbreaking story of a Yemeni girl who was married off at the age of 9 to a much older man. After suffering abuse, she bravely escaped and sought help, becoming one of the first young girls in Yemen to demand a divorce publicly.

O'Loughlin, Joey. Preventing Early Pregnancy and Poor Reproductive Outcomes among Adolescents in Developing Countries: What the Evidence Says.

Joey O'Loughlin looks at ways to reduce adolescent pregnancy and improve reproductive health outcomes in low-income nations. The article highlights evidence-based approaches, including comprehensive sex education, access to contraception, and community engagement, to address the root causes of early pregnancies. It stresses the need for a multi-faceted approach to empower adolescents, particularly girls, and improve these regions' health systems.

Reisz, Taylor, et al. "Associations between Child Marriage and Reproductive and Maternal Health Outcomes among Young Married Women in Liberia and Sierra Leone: A Cross-Sectional Study." PLOS ONE, vol. 19, no. 5, May 2024, p. e0300982. PLoS Journals, .

In "Associations between Child Marriage and Reproductive and Maternal Health Outcomes among Young Married Women in Liberia and Sierra Leone," Taylor Reisz and colleagues look at the impacts of child marriage on the health of young women in Liberia and Sierra Leone. The study finds that child marriage is linked to poverty. The researchers stress the need for policies that address child marriage and improve health services for young married women in these countries to reduce these risks.

Shunmuga, M., et al. WOMEN EMPOWERMENT: ROLE OF EDUCATION. Jan. 2015. Svanemyr, Joar, et al. "Research Priorities on Ending Child Marriage and Supporting Married Girls." Reproductive Health, vol. 12, no. 1, Sept. 2015, p. 80. Springer Link, .

In this article, Svanemyr and colleagues identify key research areas to understand better and address child marriage. They emphasize the importance of gathering data on the health, social, and economic consequences for young girls who marry early and the support systems they need. The paper calls for increased attention to developing effective interventions, policies, and services to end child marriage and improve the lives of married girls, particularly in low-income settings.

WHO_RHR_14.06_eng.Pdf.. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

This is a review of the Literature from the World Health Organization on the impacts of early marriage and adolescent pregnancy on the health and well-being of young girls. It highlights the risks of complications in pregnancy and childbirth and the long-term social, educational, and economic consequences faced by young married girls. The report calls for stronger policies, access to healthcare, and education to prevent early marriages and pregnancies and support for adolescent girls to promote their health, rights, and opportunities for the future.

Sow, Mariama, Interview with Aunt Fatima, In conversation with Me. October 28, 2024.

This is an interview  I  conducted with my auntie,  who shared her insights on early marriage, the cultural expectations surrounding it, and the pressures she faced growing up in a traditional Fulani setting. I understand the cultural and societal norms that often dictate the lives of young girls, as well as the emotional and psychological toll such pressures can have. The interview delves into societal pressures, the lack of choice in early marriage, and its impact on young girls' lives.

"Young Liberian People Are Leading Change to End Child Marriage." Girls Not Brides, 30 Nov.
2021, https://www.girlsnotbrides.org/articles/how-are-young-people-leading-change-to end-child-marriage-in-liberia/. 

The article "Young Liberian People Are Leading Change to End Child Marriage"  from Girls Not Brides highlights the efforts of young people in Liberia to challenge and end child marriage.

It is a youth-led initiative that raises awareness, advocates for policy change, and supports peers in understanding their rights. The piece emphasizes the role of youth activism in driving social change and the importance of empowering young people to protect girls from early marriage and promote their education and well-being.