User:Lianamm/Olofuku festival

Introduction

Olufuko festival is all about virginity testing and girls maturity. Women who pass Olufuko ceremony indicate a symbol of well up-bringing. At the same time people come together to enjoy cultural dances, traditional food and drinks. It is done with a thought in mind to prepare girls for marriage according to the Olufuko Festival which was held at Outapi Town this year.

Pros

The focus is on how girls are trained to cook, clean and work in the mahangu field. As stated by Sister Namibia magazine (2012), Olufuko Festival mentors young girls be live positive way, as they are expected to follow in their mothers ways of living so that their culture and tradition is passed on to the next generation in a harmonious way.

Cons

Women are trained to be submissive towards men in general and when they are married. This type of traditional practice is outdated because people are changing ways of doing things to suit modern days of today. Women who have children or are pregnant out of wedlock do not meet the requirements for initiation process. Based on the New Era newspaper (August, 2012), this type of ceremony comes a long way and many civilized and modern living people are against it. Girls are made to practice things which are not comfortable such as less pleasant food, going through mild gender violence and basic needs being withheld from them. This is done to test their trials and tribulations when it comes to marriage. The reasons why people do not agree with it - is because it steps on the dignity and integrity of females in general.

References:

http://www.outapitc.org.na/about_olufuko.html :Retrieved on 01/10/2012
http://www.newera.com.na/articles/47184/Olufuko-festival-attracts-thousands :Retrieved on 01/10/2012

Sasman, L. (2012). Sister Namibia – Celebrating Phenomenal Women. The Problem With Olufuko. Windhoek, Nanibia. ISSN 1026-9126, 24930, p15-16. :Retrieved on 05/10/12