Page 50 - Q1 2021

FEATURE

said in consternation. It is not uncommon in some African
communities for parents, especially fathers
to react sternly when their children/wards
do something considered reprehensible in
public or that brings disrepute to the family
name.

While these reservations exist, it is
pertinent to note that a lot of women are
all for the challenge. Thousands of women
participated in this challenge, the risks
notwithstanding. “If you have it, flaunt it;”
“Your body won’t be the same forever,
why not flaunt it now that you still have it!”
a few said. Some of them really found it
empowering and “an outlet for those ‘fears’

Women empowerment
has been one of the most

debated topics of the 21st
century.

and ‘insecurities’ about their bodies.”

For a few others, jumping on the trend was
fun – “Life is not that serious!” another
woman said. “There’s nothing wrong with
using my body to chase clout on social
media. It’s all about the likes and retweets…”

Yes, women want empowerment and
upliftment, but the question begs, is this sort
of challenge uplifting or degrading women?
Like everything in life, right or wrong, good
or bad are relative and context-driven
concepts. Who is really authorised to make
these calls? Whereas for some, a challenge
that involves sharing one’s nudity with complete strangers
may be considered uplifting and empowering, others may
consider it a taboo, not something they would ever consider
being part of. You decide which side of the divide you are on.

50 | The Lion King | Jan - Mar 2021