No country for old women
In medieval Europe they drowned suspected witches. In south-east Africa today, the killers use machetes
By Jemma Neville
guardian.co.uk
Sukumuland in Tanzania is a traditional and conservative area where reliance on spiritual belief is ingrained into the fabric of daily life. Belief in witchcraft and faith in the rhetoric of traditional healers are manifested in the persecution of older women for events without rational explanation - HIV/Aids deaths, infertility, drought and crop failure.
The standing of older people in the community, largely based on age and wisdom, is being eroded as urbanisation and migration have led to the abuse and neglect of older people by their relatives. An increase in violent attacks has left others fearful that they will be next and asking: "Why should I be violated at this age by a child that I made grow?"
Abridged
SOURCE: The Guardian (UK)
-----------------------------------------------
Extremely disturbing news. Please go to source for full-text.
-----------------------------------------------
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
No comments:
Post a Comment