The recent kidnapping of the girls in Nigeria is nothing new to those who pay attention to the media, especially politically conscious women of Colour. There’ve been countless girls, many nameless, who’ve not only been denied an education, but dignity, respect, and a plethora of basic human rights. Whether one lives in a country where their life, and their word, means nothing unless it’s convenient for a man, countries where patriarchy and misogyny are crushing the lives of women every day in the name of religion, law and order, or one stumbles upon news of the tragedies that befall these women/girls through the media, it’s evident that society’s the girl child’s biggest threat. If she isn’t being sexualized she’s being used as a mule. If she isn’t someone’s doormat, of rag doll, of any use to the next person, she’s as good as dead, put down like the family pet no one has the energy to take care of anymore.
But many people don’t know that, including a large number of women and girls. As technology has evolved and humans fancy themselves smarter, we’re much more sceptical. “I’ll believe it when I see it,” has turned into “I’ll believe it when I see it live,” and even that isn’t good enough, lately.
A group of young African girls going missing will not be more than a hashtag to many people because they do not feel affected.
Read more