Thieves of Innocence

Yesterday I learned about something called Fistula. Now, I've come across this word before in relation to renal failure but not in this particular context. What I learned was really depressing and relating to teenage life across the world in Nigeria. I understand all cultures are different but I do think that some issues are universally disgusting and especially when they relate to CHILDREN. As in my eyes when you are 12 upwards you're still a child and while 16 is consensual age for sex sometimes the mind isn't as well developed as the BODY.

So, what I learned related to marriages in tribes in Nigeria which often involves girls as young as 10. These girls are often married to much older MEN and in one case I heard about even as OLD as 84 years old. Yes, saddening isn't IT. What an awful dilemma they are forced too face and these girls are expected to bear children. Now, that is where the fistula thing got introduced. Basically, the girls bodies aren't able to cope with pregnancy often resulting in Fistula, which results in a hole in the birthing canal.

The side effects of this curable problem is that they're left leaking urine and are often outcasted by their peers and sometimes they are divorced not long after the problem occurs. The fact is this problem is totally avoidable BUT I doubt this problem is going too be eradicated as it is a cultural practice. I feel sorry for these young girls who must endure such practices in supposedly modern times. Obviously, the problem is treatable but the people it's affecting are impoverished and unfortunately can't afford the treatment.

When I learn of such things I can't help BUT get emotional and outraged but that's life isn't it. It's never golden for everyone. Someone else is always experiencing misfortune. Governments always promoting their own agenda's and still children must suffer. There is never any intervention when it comes to the citizens of certain countries experiencing the vilest atrocities. Mankind is so unjust.

Gymnopedies 1 - Erik Satie -