Ninah's Dowry: Female abuse remains prevalent

Fresh from celebrating the 101st International Women's Day on March 8th, female abuse remains problematic in many countries around the world. Women are still seen as a man's property especially with the payment of the traditional dowry, widely known as bride price.

Usually it is countries with a poor human rights track record who do not recognise the individuality and uniqueness of women. One such country stuck in the Neolithic Age and exhibiting extinct primordial traits is the West African country of Cameroon.
Famed for her football prowess and 'Africa in Miniature' status, the relatively peaceful and democratic country who has had only two presidents since independence in 1960 is home to some of the most chauvinistic males with extreme antifeminist  views.
Interestingly such views are shared by the broad spectrum of Cameroonian men; from the farmer in a remote sleepy village of say Mamfe, to the the high flying City Executive in Cameroon's vibrant metropolitan and economic capital: the city of Douala.

Californian-based-Cameroonian film maker Victor Vuyuoh, seeks to highlight the issue of female abuse in his debut  film Ninah's Dowry. Based on the true story of cousin Evelyn(Ninah),  a promising A student who was forced into an arranged marriage with a man who later became physically abusive. After plucking up courage to run away from her tormentor to her family home, Ninah endured a visible forced transfer back to her husband, as her family was unable to repay the dowry.
Ninah's family stood defenceless...or rather turned a blind eye as their daughter was dragged through the streets back to her abusive partner.
It should be noted that though the film is set in a sleepy Cameroonian village of Babanki, such prehistoric primeval practises could be found in the more advanced towns and cities of Cameroon.

As the norm with anything African and black, the film Ninah's Dowry is currently facing some glitches and hitches before it can be screened. See the video below and if any interests have been stirred to help, click here