FUTURE OF CHILDREN AT STAKE

Sir,

For a long time now the country has exhibited limited committment to reducing the unequal treatment of females in the society. 

These efforts have in small circles raised awareness of the inequality and injustice of treating women and girls as inferior human beings. 

In spite of recent advances in gender awareness, a change in behaviour, especially in behaviour that is entrenched in tradition and in longstanding cultural beliefs, has been painfully slow.

Who will advocate for the rights of children if the adults, who are responsible for protecting them shrug their shoulders and remain passive and silent. When the lives and futures of children are threatened those who have the authority and the power to do something must not avoid their responsibilities. 

It will take courage to make changes happen. Individuals will need collective support from their communites. Women and men must come together to see beyond their own self interests. No society can be strong when a large portion of its population is oppressed and rendered powerless.

Impacted 

The cycle of unequal treatment of females can only be broken when behaviour is impacted at an early age. Families, as well as schools, have the greatest influence. 

Those responsible for raising and educating children can make a huge difference if they focus on the benefits to the child. The route to future success for girls begins in the home where roles are defined and role models demonstrate behaviour. Educators have the influence to reinforce or reject attitudes and behaviour. 

When young women are brought up in structures and systems where they are considered less important, they learn to believe that they are inferior. 

Reduced

When a person is denied basic human rights they are reduced to objects and treated much like we treat animals. The responsibility for the educational outcomes of girls rests with the adults who teach them.

The time to protect our children is now; the time to abolish the unjust treatment of females is now. 

Our girls deserve to have big and bold dreams. It has been proven that the level of education of a person’s mother is the most significant factor in the potential success of that indiviudul. The future of our children and of our society is at stake. 

K Dlamini  

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