The appropriateness of the girl-child initiation training in the Zambezi region of Namibia
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Date
2022
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
The study sought to investigate the appropriateness of the conditions during the girl-child initiation training that is hardly documented. This study was conducted in the Zambezi Region in Namibia as the practice of girl-child initiation training is common in that region. This study was guided by the three objectives namely to (1) identify activities performed during girl-child initiation training (2) investigate the appropriateness of the conditions during the girl-child initiation training activities and (3) suggest measures that can help improve the conditions during the girl-child initiation training activities in the Zambezi Region of Namibia The study adopted a qualitative approach methodology to enable the researcher to seek and explore diverse human experiences, feelings, views and subjective positions. That was done by using a combination of case studies or multiple cases and narrative research design. The multiple cases is a design known as collective case studies selected to provide insights into the issues or theme which in this study is the girl-child initiation training activities and conditions supported by exploratory research design. Case studies are very useful to explore topics where there is little knowledge or understanding. The population of the study consisted of initiates (Kumwale), parents of the initiates, mentors and village headmen/women (Induna) from four constituencies in the Zambezi Region. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and then analysed using content analysis. Study findings revealed that there are some common misconceptions about the activities that are done during the initiation trainings. The conditions for the period of the training are also negatively labelled and believed to be leading a girl-child to early girl marriage. The findings attested to the opposite. Instead it was found that girl-child initiation training activities aimed at moulding young girls into womanhood and to encourage them to marry at the appropriate age. The initiation activities involved, making traditional meals, home chores, weaving baskets, making clay pots and being oriented to the role of women in the society. In addition to women roles, they were introduced to the women taboos, local culture, and practices. The study further found out that the initiation training is highly valued by the locals. It is perceived that the girl-child that has not undergone the initiation training is lacking. Study findings alluded to the fact that initiates earn a great respect from the locals by being accepted in the community as women after graduating. They are further perceived as having been equipped with survival skills as they would have learned to use their hands and even make a living by selling their handmade products. The skills imparted during the initiation training are very important for cultural practices and it is believed that they empower the girl-child for the new roles in the society. The study recommends institutionalisation of the girl-child initiation training into the indigenous local education systems. It further recommends recognised formal structures to replace the informal and non-formal ways of initiation training. The study also suggests that the activities and conditions performed during the initiation trainings should be documented for replication and for improvement where necessary. Further studies were also recommended for comparative studies between other regional practices or impact evaluations of the initiation graduates.
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the degree of Master of Education (Adult Education)
Keywords
Girl-child, Initiation activities, Girl-child initiation, Traditions in Zambezi, Cultural practices in Zambezi, Zambezi people