Written by Mercy Williams Within and beyond Africa, marriage and motherhood are often sold to the girl child as the ultimate aspirations. For many girls, the social conditioning to prepare for this supposed life goal begins at a very young age, unlike their male counterparts, who are largely free to enjoy childhood without the constant reminders to behave like future wives, mothers, or homemakers. From animated films where a girl’s “happily-ever-after” depends on finding her prince charming to teachings at …
